MENU
Over 60? You have a much higher risk of developing eye conditions that can affect everyday activities such as reading, watching TV and driving.
As we age, our eyes naturally begin to strain and deteriorate. Canadians over 60 are more likely to contract serious vision problems, including:
AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people 65 years or older. AMD involves the breakdown of the macula of the eye (which is responsible for the sharpness of your vision). A person with AMD may be able to clearly see a calendar on a wall, but the numbers and letters would appear blurred.
That's why it's important for those over the age of 60 to have regular, comprehensive eye exams.
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you may be at risk of diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of blindness among North American adults.
The disease is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina (the part of your eye that transmits visual information to your brain). In some cases, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other cases, abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of your retina.
If you suffer from diabetes, you may have diabetic retinopathy and not even know it. Symptoms often go undetected at first, but they gradually worsen and result in vision loss and even blindness in one or both eyes.
There is currently no cure for diabetic retinopathy, but the disease can be treated and its symptoms slowed and managed if caught early. If you have diabetes, you should schedule an eye exam every year.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 40 and remain an uncomfortable side effect of growing older.
Usually painless, cataracts develop as you age and your eyes' lenses naturally begin to harden and turn cloudy or white. The cloudy lens in your eye then blocks light from reaching your retina (the part of your eye that transmits visual information to your brain). The result is a reduction in vision—not unlike looking through a dirty car windshield.
While cataracts often occur naturally as you age, you're more likely to develop them if you have diabetes and hypertension, are obese, a regular smoker or have a family history of the condition.
Getting cataracts treated early on is essential to maintaining proper vision. Schedule an exam on a regular basis if you notice any symptoms.
Glaucoma is a serious condition that damages your optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma can result in permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life. It is also often asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease. If you're over the age of 40 and have health problems such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, you should have an eye exam every year.
Many of these conditions have no symptoms until treatment is no longer an option, which is why getting an eye exam is so important, particularly if you notice any changes in your vision.
Glaucoma is a serious condition that damages your optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma can result in permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life. It is also often asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease. If you're over the age of 40 and have health problems such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, you should have an eye exam every year.
In most cases, eye exams for seniors in Canada are fully or partially covered by the provincial government once every 1-2 years. Your FYidoctors optometrist can help you determine if your eye exam is covered.
