Happy Healthy Vision Month! For the month of May, we here at Ighani Eye Care want to make sure you stay informed about the preventative measures you can take to maximize your visual health into your mid-age and senior years.
Get ahead and stay ahead
Staying up-to-date with medical eye exams is the best way to maintain visual health. Instead of waiting for symptoms to arise, we recommend that patients see us regularly to avoid any potential problems. For people who have no existing eye diseases or other vision concerns, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40.
The frequency of these exams will depend on the health of your eyes, your age and other factors. But, just like regular mammograms and colon screenings start around age 45, comprehensive eye exams are vital for your preventative healthcare regimen as you age. At Ighani Eye Care, we are eager to make sure you and your eyes are well taken care of!
What to expect
During this exam, your doctor will evaluate you for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, among other common vision problems. Based on your needs, your doctor will then help create an exam schedule, allowing you to “keep an eye” on your vision so symptoms and issues that may arise in the future can be addressed promptly.
Most medical insurance plans (including Medicare!) cover comprehensive eye exams like the exams we offer at Ighani Eye Care. So even if you don’t have separate vision insurance, your routine visit with us should still be covered!
Cataracts
Unfortunately, cataracts are an inevitable vision problem that arises as we age. Most people start developing cataracts around age 40, though symptoms are not noticeable until around 60 years of age. As one of the more common issues that people see an ophthalmologist for, cataracts are most effectively treated when patients maintain a regular relationship with their ophthalmologist.
Because cataracts develop slowly over many years, it may take time to notice that they have begun creating problems. This is why it is so critical for doctors like Dr. Ighani and Dr. Anding to monitor any cataract development early on.
Treatment for cataracts
The only way to remove a cataract is through surgery. By maintaining good visual health, particularly by protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays from the sun, you may be able to slow the progression of cataracts.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is very common, and here at Ighani Eye Care, we are skilled in restoring our patients’ eyesight.
Treating cataracts in older patients is essential because cataracts can cause complete vision loss if left untreated. Additionally, by repairing elderly patients’ vision, cataract surgery drastically decreases a patient’s risk of falling. This can also eliminate many health problems from broken bones, concussions and a loss of independence. According to a study by Australian researchers in 2018, cataract surgery in both eyes reduced elderly patients’ chance of falling by 73%!
Let us help!
We want to make sure your eyes are healthy and well-monitored for vision issues that may arise in the future. So feel free to call us to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience or book online today!
