Eye care is especially important for Seniors.
1 in 3 Americans will develop some sort of eye disease that can threaten their vision by the time they are 65. It’s easy to dismiss failing eyesight as simply “getting older”. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, have no early warning signs. It can only be detected in the beginning stages by tests performed by your eye doctor. Seniors can help preserve their sight by having annual eye exams and treating any eye disease through early detection.
Sometimes cost is a factor in seeking eye care. It might be comforting to know that if this is the case, you may qualify for the Seniors EyeCare Program. This program, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, helps ensure that all eligible seniors have access to good eye care. The doctors at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare are among volunteer ophthalmologists participating in this program through EyeCare America. Click here to go to the Seniors EyeCare website to see if you qualify. Or call them at 800-222-EYES (3937).
Cataracts
Your vision connects you to the world. Over time, however, it becomes more difficult to see clearly. That is because the natural crystalline lens inside your eye is becoming larger and harder. This prevents your lens from focusing as it once did and is why you may need glasses or bifocals to read this right now. This inability to focus, or accommodate, is called presbyopia and its earliest symptom is a difficulty seeing things that are close up.
Over time, your lens will continue to harden, eventually turning cloudy as it becomes a cataract. It is a natural process that occurs in most everyone over 50 years of age. A cataract can be the reason sharp images become blurred, bright colors become dull, or seeing at night is more difficult. While glasses may help initially, eventually your cataracts will need to be removed. Unfortunately, cataracts can’t be prevented, but removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens can restore your vision and in many ways, significantly improve your quality of life. The time to have your cataracts removed is when the quality of your vision begins to put limits on your activities and enjoyment of life.
Description Lifestyle QuestionnaireTypes
Cortical Spoking Nuclear Sclerosis Post Sub CapsularTreatment
Small incision Intra Ocular Implant Procedure Phacoemulsification Lens Implant Choices After Cataract Surgery Single-Vision lenses (monofocal IOLs) ReSTOR lens Crystalens ReZoom lens YAG ProcedureGlaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease which damages the optic nerve and is caused by an increase in the fluid pressure in the eye. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss. The exact reason the fluid system in the eye stops functioning properly is not completely understood. Damage is done to the optic nerve long before any symptoms are noticeable. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur.
Introduction Description The Optic Nerve Risk FactorsTypes
Closed-Angle Narrow-Angle Open AngleTests
Detection Dilation Test Gonioscopy Contact tonometry Non-Contact tonometry Visual Field Test Optic Nerve AnalysisArticle for Seniors about Glaucoma
Treatment
Eye Drops Iridotomy A.L.T S.L.TRetinal Disorders
Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy Flashers & Floaters Vitreous Detachment Anti-reflective Computer Vision Syndrome Hi-Index Polarized Water Polarized Driving U.V. Filter Variable Tinted LensesDry Eyes
Single-vision lenses (monofocal IOLs)
For the past 30 years, ophthalmologists have treated cataracts by replacing them with single-vision lens implants. While millions of Americans successfully undergo this proven surgery each year, in most cases, patients still require glasses for reading after cataract surgery. Medicare will pay 80% of your cataract surgery and the monofocal lens. This is considered basic coverage.