People who are nearing retirement age should make routine eye checkups a part of their overall healthy living routine, reported UAB News.
Ophthalmologists working at Callahan Eye Hospital, which is affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), were cited in the article as saying that regular eye tests are necessary in order to safeguard eye health.
Meanwhile, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one in every three people in the U.S. who are at least 65 years old will be diagnosed with an eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition to AMD, other eye conditions that can cause vision loss include glaucoma, uveitis and diabetic retinopathy, noted the article.
Dr. Chris Girkin, who chairs the Department of Ophthalmology at the UAB’s School of Medicine, said in the article that researchers at UBA and elsewhere in the U.S. are successfully coming up with advancements in treatments that can cure eye conditions. He added, however, that nothing beats “early diagnosis,” prompt treatment and suitable “follow-up care” when it comes to ensuring eye health.
In a bid to honor Healthy Vision Month in the U.S., the National Eye Institute and UAB are promoting the necessity of diagnosing eye conditions sooner rather than later — and getting timely treatment when needed. According to the article, eye ailments generally come with no symptoms during the early stages. This means that the only way to detect them is to get a thorough dilated eye test. Dr. Girkin said in the article that therapies will only be effective if people access them when the disease is in the early stage.
According to the article, Dr. Girkin said that young adults should undergo a thorough eye examination once while they’re in their 20s and twice while they’re in their 30s. However, people who use contact lenses should undergo yearly tests, and people who either have family members who have eye conditions or who themselves have diabetes should talk to their eye doctor about how often tests should be performed. Dr. Girkin added in the article that a people should schedule a baseline, thorough eye test when they turn 40 years old, which will enable their doctor to determine the frequency of follow up tests. He added in the article that people who pass the 65-year mark should go for annual eye exams.
Reference: http://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/spring-2012/check-your-eyes-may-is-health-vision-month
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