As you grow older, your overall health undergoes changes, and your vision needs, in particular, may evolve. It’s common for your vision to become less sharp, and you may find yourself struggling to see things both up close and far away. Some conditions, like cataracts, also become more common with age. Fortunately, by working with an optometrist, you can minimize risks. If you live in or near Wichita and are looking for an "optometrist near me," come see Wichita Optometry.
Senior Eye Exams Are Crucial
It’s wise for everyone to check in with a family optometrist regularly. These experts can help you monitor your eye health and react to any emerging conditions or problems. It’s especially important for senior citizens to schedule regular appointments with an eye doctor because their vision can change rapidly.
If you wear glasses, you may find that they’re no longer improving your vision as much as they used to. This could be because your prescription needs have changed. You may have never needed glasses before, but now things are getting blurry. By checking in with a family optometrist and undergoing an eye exam, you can ensure that you can see things as clearly as possible.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
When it comes to age-related vision issues, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most important things to keep an eye out for. This condition is the most common cause of severe vision loss among older individuals, although people usually won’t go blind from it.
With dry AMD, the light-sensitive cells in your macula will start to break down, and you’ll lose your ability to see fine details. With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels will start to grow under the retina, potentially resulting in a large blind spot in the center of your vision. Fortunately, an optometrist can help you watch for these conditions and slow or halt their advance with appropriate eye care treatments.
Treating Cataracts and Other Age-Related Issues
Cataracts also become more common as you grow older. Unfortunately, they can greatly reduce your vision and may make it difficult, if not impossible, to drive and perform other functions. Cataracts can be treated, however, via surgery.
Dry eye can also become more of a problem as you get older. Fortunately, eye drops can provide relief. In some cases, further treatment may be needed to bring the mites living in your eyelash follicles under control. Other issues can also cause problems, like glare. Special coatings on your glasses can help reduce glare.
Contact Wichita Optometry in Wichita, KS
If you or your loved ones live around Wichita and are looking for an "optometrist near me," stop by Wichita Optometry for all your eye care needs.