If you’re 65 or over, see your optometrist once per year, doctor advises
Optometrist Dr. Troy Brady has been seeing a lot of younger patients lately, which is par for the course when a new school year begins. But Dr. Brady is eager for his older adult patients to make appointments this fall, too.
That’s because a person’s vision changes as they age. In fact, one in nine Canadians will develop irreversible vision loss by the age of 65. That number increases to one in four Canadians by the age of 75.
“Vision and eye health play an important role in healthy aging and supporting seniors in maintaining an active, independent life.” “If someone comes in for an annual eye exam, we’re more likely to catch eye disease early and begin treatment to slow it down, or even stop it from progressing,” says Dr. Brady, who’s also the president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO). “Maintaining good vision and eye health allows seniors to continue doing their favourite hobby or spending time with friends and family, further supporting their quality of life.”
The AAO recommends a comprehensive eye exam for seniors 65 and older once per year, and there is Alberta Health coverage towards the cost of the exam. Alberta Health may also cover medically necessary appointments, including visits for such things as red eye, eye infections or inflammation of the eye and eyelid. When booking an appointment, patients should ask if there are any additional costs related to the services they require.
Comprehensive eye exams can provide early detection of the most common eye diseases related to aging, including cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Each one can cause significant vision loss if left untreated, but many eye diseases have no early symptoms or warning signs. For example, most types of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in Canada, show no symptoms in the early stages and can only be detected through an eye exam.
“If an individual is finding it increasingly difficult to identify objects, judge distance, or everyday tasks like reading are requiring more effort, they shouldn’t hesitate to book an appointment with their local optometrist,” stresses Dr. Brady.
Comprehensive eye exams can also provide clues about a person’s overall health. Dr. Brady once detected leukemia in a patient, because of what he saw during the eye exam. More commonly, however, he’s seen hemorrhages and changes to the structure of blood vessels, indicating diabetes or high blood pressure, both of which are dangerous if unchecked.
The good news is doctors of optometry work with other health care providers to ensure patients receive the proper response to their health needs.
“When I find blood vessel changes in the eye, I write a letter to the family doctor telling them what I saw and asking them to help get the patient’s blood pressure under control,” Dr. Brady says. “I can often detect these things, because the eye is one of the only places that allows you to see blood vessels in their natural state. We’re not just updating a patient’s prescription; we’re looking at their overall eye health and for systemic diseases that can show themselves in the eyes.”
Eye exams are critical in preventing other injuries and ailments, too. Seniors with poor vision are twice as likely to fall, so maintaining proper eye health can help reduce the risk of disabling falls and fractures— a leading cause of injuries among seniors
Patients are encouraged to speak with their optometrist on how they can better protect their vision and prevent falls. This may include installing higher wattage lightbulbs, using motion sensor lighting and wearing sunglasses year-round.
Dr. Brady stresses as Albertans continue to exercise caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, an optometrist’s office is a safe and healthy space. Alberta optometry clinics have implemented a series of protocols, including the sanitization of equipment between procedures, the installation of protective shields, and the use of personal protective equipment by staff. Patients and visitors should also be prepared to wear a mask. Upon booking an appointment, clinic staff will explain what patients can expect during their visit.
“With COVID-19, some seniors are apprehensive about leaving the house and exposing themselves,” Dr. Brady says. “But with the precautions that Alberta optometrists are taking, they can’t take their vision for granted. Seeing your optometrist once per year is important, and it’s crucial to go every year.”
Albertans can visit
optometrists.ab.ca to find a local optometrist and book a comprehensive eye exam.