Ohio Department of Aging
Site MapSite HelpContact Us Text Size:
March 2008
Click the image above to download print-quality photos of Director Riley.
How long has it been since your last eye exam? It may be time to see your eye care professional. The first noticeable symptom of many eye diseases is vision loss. However, routine eye exams can detect signs of these conditions, often before they affect your vision when they can be most effectively treated or slowed.
While a degree of vision loss comes naturally with aging, growing older doesn't mean you have to go blind.
Even though your vision may be clear, exams can uncover changes in the eye caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, eye tumors, retinal disorders and glaucoma, some of which have no symptoms in the early stages. Eye exams can also help detect serious health problems, including diabetes or high blood pressure, much earlier.
While you should have your eyes examined regularly, you should definitely schedule an exam if:
Although it is believed that half of all blindness can be prevented, the number of people in America who suffer vision loss continues to increase. More than 187,000 Ohioans over 40 are legally blind or visually impaired. Nationally, the number of older Americans affected by age-related vision loss is expected to double by 2035.
People 65 and older should have their eyes examined at least every one to two years for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Those with diabetes should be examined every year.
Medicare may pay the cost of exams for those who are eligible and have a high risk of diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
In addition to regular eye exams, there are steps people of any age can take to protect their eyesight. Discuss any family history of blindness with your eye care professional. Many eye diseases are hereditary and physicians can be on the alert for certain conditions if they know you are at greater risk of developing them. Seek immediate attention if you notice any loss of vision, eye pain or other vision problems. Wear protective eyewear when doing any sport or activity in which objects may be thrown toward your eye, such as mowing the lawn. Also, use sunglasses with at least 99 percent ultra-violet protection and a hat to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.
Don't take your vision for granted. Early detection and treatment of eye problems, as well as basic eye care and protection, can help you maintain and enjoy healthy eyesight throughout life, regardless of your age now.
Ohio Department of Aging