Eye Exams
Eye Exams Over 60
After sixty, annual examination becomes important rather than advisable. Cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration all rise sharply in prevalence, and all three are managed considerably better when detected early.
The value of an annual examination changes character after sixty. In your thirties it is mostly about the prescription. After sixty it is mostly about finding disease early enough to do something about it.
Cataract develops in nearly everybody eventually and is entirely treatable, with the timing of surgery driven by how much it interferes with what you want to do. Glaucoma is silent and irreversible, so detection is everything. Macular degeneration affects central vision and, in its wet form, needs urgent treatment to preserve sight.
Alongside those, the practical questions matter: whether night driving is still safe, whether contrast sensitivity has dropped enough to affect stairs, and whether current glasses are still right for how you live.
Questions and answers
When should I have cataract surgery?
When the cataract interferes with what you want to do rather than at any particular measurement. Some people are troubled early because of night driving demands, others manage comfortably for years.
How do I know if I have macular degeneration?
Early stages have no symptoms and are found on retinal imaging. Later signs include distortion, with straight lines appearing wavy, and blurring at the centre of vision. Any sudden distortion needs prompt attention.
Should I be worried about glaucoma?
It is worth screening for rather than worrying about. It is common after sixty, entirely silent, and manageable when detected. Screening is part of every comprehensive examination here.
Is my night driving vision normal for my age?
Some reduction is expected, but significant difficulty is usually caused by something addressable such as cataract, an outdated prescription or lens coatings. It is worth assessing rather than accepting.
Talk to someone about eye exams over 60
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.