Clear Vision, Living Independently Top Priorities for Older Americans

Seventy-five percent of aging Americans affected by vision problems; American Optometric Association offers tips to protect eyesight throughout life

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American Optometric Association

Sep 01, 2015, 11:30 ET

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fluctuation in vision is often one of the first health changes adults notice as they get older. Although these changes can be bothersome, even more troubling problems could be lurking beneath the surface and cause vision loss. According to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q^® survey, the inability to live independently would concern older consumers the most if they developed serious vision problems.

In observance of Healthy Aging^® Month in September, the AOA offers several tips to help older adults safeguard their vision.

Schedule a yearly eye exam
A comprehensive eye exam by a doctor of optometry is one of the most important, preventive ways to preserve vision, and the only way to accurately assess eye health, diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Common eye conditions in older adults that can be detected through a comprehensive eye examination include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye. The number of adults with these eye conditions will increase as the population of older adults grows—according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2012 estimates, 72 million Americans are expected to be over the age of 65 by 2030 (compared with 46.2 million Americans in 2014).

"Many eye conditions develop without any warning signs or symptoms, so it's important to visit a doctor of optometry every year to ensure your eyes are healthy," said David Lewerenz, O.D., chair of the AOA's Vision Rehabilitation Section. "Early diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases and disorders is critical and can often prevent loss of vision."

Focus on healthy lifestyle choices
Following basic healthy habits can help ward off eye diseases and maintain existing eyesight. One of the essential building blocks of a person's overall health is diet. Enjoying a diet rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin can improve eye health—these can be found in spinach and other green, leafy vegetables, as well as eggs. Other "power foods" for the eyes include fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and fish containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as salmon. Also, an optometrist can discuss vitamin therapy options for patients experiencing vision problems and for preventive treatment.

"Not only can a healthy diet improve your eye health, but not smoking, monitoring blood pressure levels, exercising regularly and wearing proper sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays can all play a role in preserving eyesight and eye health," said Dr. Lewerenz.

Adapt your surroundings and seek help from a doctor of optometry
According to the 2015 American Eye-Q^® survey, 75 percent of Americans age 55 and older have experienced vision problems. It's especially important for older adults to visit their doctor of optometry to ensure their vision is good to prevent falls and driving accidents.

Older adults can ease the stress on their eyes by making some simple changes:

Stay safe while driving: Wear quality sunglasses for daytime driving and use anti-reflective lenses to reduce headlight glare. Limit driving at dusk, dawn or at night if seeing under low light is difficult. Use extra caution at intersections and reduce speed.
Use contrasting colors: Define essential objects in your home, such as light switches and telephones, with different colors so they can be spotted quickly and easily.
Give the eyes a boost: Install clocks, thermometers and timers with large block letters. Magnifying glasses can also be used for reading when larger print is not available. Text size on the screen of smartphones and tablets can also be increased.

People dealing with eye disease and vision loss can also seek rehabilitative services from a doctor of optometry. These services can teach patients a variety of techniques to allow them to perform daily activities with their remaining vision and help them regain their independence.

Maintaining yearly eye exams, or more frequently if recommended by an eye doctor, provides the best protection for preventing the onset of eye diseases and allows adults to continue leading active and productive lifestyles as they age. To find a doctor of optometry near you or for additional information on age-related eye conditions, visit aoa.org.

About the survey:
The 10th annual American Eye-Q^® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From February 19-March 4, 2015, PSB conducted 1,000 online interviews among Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of the U.S. general population. (Margin of error is plus or minus 3.10 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.)

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association, a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations, was founded in 1898. Today, the AOA is proud to represent the profession of optometry, America's family eye doctors, who take a leading role in an individual's overall eye and vision care, health and well-being. Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders, diseases and injuries that affect the eye and visual system, providing two-thirds of primary eye care in the U.S. For information on a variety of eye health and vision topics, and to find an optometrist near you, visit www.aoa.org.

SOURCE American Optometric Association