Taking care of your overall health also means yearly visits to your Optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Annual exams are important regardless of your age or physical health, as having good vision doesn’t mean your eyes are healthy.
During your comprehensive exam we check more than just your vision, we also:
- Test your eye coordination and depth perception
- Assess your colour vision
- Check your eye pressure
Your Optometrist will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment. As ocular diseases progress gradually, early detection, testing and treatment can mean all the difference in maintaining your vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is the central most part of the retina, the inner layer at the back of the eye responsible for detailed central vision and it is used for reading, driving and recognizing people’s faces. Macular degeneration is a condition that causes the center of your vision to blur while the side or peripheral vision remains unaffected. It is generally related to the aging process, and is also commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is the leading cause of blindness in North America in adults over the age of 55.
As we get older, the importance of monitoring vision changes grows. People age 65 and older, should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, more frequently if directed by your doctor. Adults aged 65 or older are at a higher risk for developing a number of eye conditions and diseases that can impair your sight, some of these conditions do not have any warning signs.
Some common vision changes include:
- Trouble identifying objects, especially at night
- Difficulty judging distance
- Everyday tasks, like driving or reading, require more effort or require glasses
- Colours are less bright
- Visual field begins to narrow
- Dry Eye Disease, leading to burning or stinging eyes