Poet Robert Browning had the right idea; “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!” At Collins Vision, a large percentage of our patient family falls into the senior demographic, and we are passionate about providing the best possible eye care to match every season of life.
Being an older adult does put you at higher risk for developing certain eye conditions, but it doesn’t mean you have to lose your sight or even accept that diminished vision is just part of getting older. At Collins Vision, we want you to look forward to the future with confidence, and we are committed to helping every patient in our family achieve healthy vision for a lifetime.
As we head into the final months of the year, we want to remind you that now is an ideal time to schedule that annual comprehensive eye exam to make sure you use any vision benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
How to Care for Aging Eyes
September is Healthy Aging Month and this year’s focus is on healthy eyes. It is true that with each year that passes, our risk for developing certain age-related eye conditions increases. But a commitment to regular eye exams with a trusted provider is a good place to start in mitigating that risk.
The reason regular eye exams are so important is that many eye diseases have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. For example, glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” as by the time you realize there is a problem, vision damage has already taken place and is irreversible.
A commitment to an annual dilated eye exam at Collins Vision can help prevent many of these conditions that, if left undetected, can negatively affect your sight. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults have a baseline comprehensive eye exam yearly starting at age 40, as this is when age-related changes often begin. For those with a family history of certain medical conditions or who have underlying conditions, we recommend more frequent visits.
Which Eye Conditions Are Age Related?
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is defined by higher than normal fluid pressure within the eye. Over time, this pressure can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss. While there is presently no cure for glaucoma, early detection and thorough testing may help prevent future vision loss.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the area of the eye responsible for producing sharp, central vision. AMD can advance so slowly that people hardly notice the change day to day, but over time, it may result in significant vision loss. If you have a family history of AMD, are over the age of 59, you should schedule an examination with one of our providers. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but we can recommend treatment that may be able to delay its progression or even improve your vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss for people with diabetes and is a leading cause of blindness in the US today. Diabetes causes weakening of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. Left untreated, these weakened blood vessels can leak, leading to vision loss. If you have diabetes, it’s important to work closely with your trusted Collins Vision eye doctors to stay ahead of any potential complications that could affect your vision.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens that occurs as you age. Most adults will develop cataracts in their lifetime as they get older and cataract surgery is the only treatment. Our cataract self exam can help you determine if it’s time for you to consider cataract surgery, but your best option is to schedule a cataract evaluation at Collins Vision. Our skilled clinical team will perform thorough diagnostic testing, talk to you about your goals and lifestyle, and help you determine which procedure and IOL are right for you.
Maximize Your Benefits Before the Year Ends
We accept most major insurances and as a courtesy to our patients, we file claims to primary and secondary insurances. We also accept VSP and most EyeMed plans, which offer affordable eye exams and discounts on glasses and contact lenses. If you’re not sure how all that works, no worries. We are here to help you get the most benefit from your benefits! Reach out today.
Founded by Dr. Michael J. Collins in 2004, Collins Vision is proud to be Southwest Florida’s trusted eye care providers. Every member of our amazing, experienced team shares an unwavering commitment to safety, innovation and visual freedom. We are passionately committed to helping you and every member of your family to achieve the healthy vision you deserve. We invite you to See The Difference for yourself and schedule an appointment at Collins Vision today. We would be honored to serve you.