Senior citizens, 65 years or older, should have an ocular examination performed by an ophthalmologist every one to two years at a minimum, even without any existing risk factors. More frequent examinations are warranted, even if no ocular symptoms are present, for any individual at higher risk for developing eye disease. These risk factors may be based not only on ocular history but also upon medical history such as diabetes mellitus, family history such as diabetes, or race in which certain conditions are much more prevalent. Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus is a common reason for a senior citizen to have baseline examination at the prompting of an endocrinologist.
Family history of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma not only are more common in family members but increase in frequency with age. After conducting a comprehensive medical and ophthalmic history including the use of medications, an ophthalmologist will be able to tell you if there is any significant ocular disease detected and the frequency of examinations that will be required depending upon your risk, the severity of the condition, and other factors.
While many seniors expect general attrition in their eye sight, it is not uncommon for ophthalmologist to see patients in their 90s who have excellent vision in both eyes. Elderly patients frequently think that failing vision is normal. Minor changes in vision are normal, often do not pose significant risk for the vision and can easily be overcome. Seniors may experience dimness of vision and require more light merely because their pupils do not dilate at dark or because of progressive cataract or other problem as simple as presbyopia. It is important that seniors and their caregivers understand that proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health care.