As we grow older, our health tends to decline. Vision is no exception, and older adults may find themselves having a harder time seeing things clearly if they neglect their eye health. Of course, vision plays a huge role in allowing us to function independently, so it’s important for the elderly to pay attention to their eye health and prevent eye problems from occurring. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, roughly one in three older adults will experience some form of eye disease or vision reduction by the time they have reached the age of 65. This is particularly alarming and proves that the elderly should take a proactive approach to get eye check-ups every once in a while. Here are other reasons why eye care for the elderly should be prioritized.
Achieve Holistic Health
As mentioned above, any elderly who faces eye problems may find it difficult to function and get through the day independently. Many tasks and responsibilities require us to see clearly, such as driving, cooking, reading, and many more. Good vision also prevents us from slipping and falling easily, as we can see any clutter nearby. All these contribute to our overall holistic health, which means that eye care impacts the physical, mental, spiritual, and social health of an individual.
Prevent Eye Diseases
According to medical professionals, older adults above the age of 65 should go through eye examinations every year. For those above 45 years old, every two to four years is acceptable. Eye examinations are extremely important as they’re currently the only way for doctors to identify and check for any onset of eye diseases. As you know what they say, prevention is better than cure, and this goes for our eye health as well. If a doctor manages to determine an eye disease like cataracts and glaucoma early on, they’re able to slow down any worsening symptoms or even improve eyesight. Another thing to note is that even if your loved ones have good eye health, they should seek an eye exam.
Spot Other Diseases
Do you know that eye examinations also allow doctors to spot other diseases as well? Just by checking the eyes, doctors are able to recognize some signs and symptoms of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, high cholesterol, a range of blood diseases, and more. If an older adult is unaware they’re currently facing these issues, an eye exam can help to warn them during the early stages.
Improved Brain Health
Research has shown that there’s a clear relationship between good vision and a healthy brain. The reason is that our optic nerves connect our eyes to our brains, which means that in order to achieve a well-functioning brain, our eyes have to be in good health as well. There’s no need for saying that our brain health plays a crucial role in allowing us to lead complex lives. From giving us the abilities to process information and problem-solve to thinking critically and performing certain skills, our brain is arguably the most vital organ in our bodies.
