Eye Exam for Seniors
Patients of age 65 and older are covered for a comprehensive exam annually with a valid OHIP card.
As we age, many things change inside our eyes. For most patients, around age 40, presbyopia (difficulty focusing to read at near) sets in and it is time for reading or progressive lenses.
In addition, there are three common age-related eye conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. With all of these conditions, annual eye exam will allow early detection and proper management, which can help delay their onset as well as their progression. Below are additional details on these conditions.
Cataracts: This occurs due to aging of the lenses and due to UV damage from the sun. Patients may notice decreased overall vision and more glare driving at night. In general, age-related cataracts are slow in progression and we monitor the patient year to year for changes. Once the patient's best corrected vision decreases to a certain level,
we will work with a surgeon to choose the best cataract procedure to meet our patients needs.
As we age, many things change inside our eyes. For most patients, around age 40, presbyopia (difficulty focusing to read at near) sets in and it is time for reading or progressive lenses.
In addition, there are three common age-related eye conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. With all of these conditions, annual eye exam will allow early detection and proper management, which can help delay their onset as well as their progression. Below are additional details on these conditions.
Cataracts: This occurs due to aging of the lenses and due to UV damage from the sun. Patients may notice decreased overall vision and more glare driving at night. In general, age-related cataracts are slow in progression and we monitor the patient year to year for changes. Once the patient's best corrected vision decreases to a certain level,
we will work with a surgeon to choose the best cataract procedure to meet our patients needs.
Glaucoma: Causes of glaucoma can be age-related or hereditary. There are different forms of glaucoma. To be diagnosed as glaucoma, different aspect of the patients' eyes have to be tested and analyzed. As the disease progresses, patients will slowly lose their peripheral vision and at the end stages of the disease, patients will have narrow, tunnel like vision leading to blindness. With proper treatment and close monitoring, your optometrist and
ophthalmologist can slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision longer.
ophthalmologist can slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision longer.
Macular Degeneration (AMD): Macular degeneration causes tissue damage in the patient central vision. At early stages, the patient will notice distortions in their central vision. As the disease progresses, patients will lose their central vision.
With an annual exam, your optometrist will be able to detect this condition early, allowing to implement
preventative measures to preserve the vision and to slow down the advancement of the disease.
With an annual exam, your optometrist will be able to detect this condition early, allowing to implement
preventative measures to preserve the vision and to slow down the advancement of the disease.
UV from the sun causes tissue damages and cataract formation. It is our recommendation that all patients wear UV protection to protect their eyes.
