Senior Eye Exams
Affordable vision care for the elderly
Your eye health is important, regardless of what age you are, but it’s especially important to keep up with regular eye exams when you’ve reached the age of 60+.
Patients with existing health or eye conditions can benefit from having their eyes examined to prevent future problems or worsening vision. At all of our Heartland Vision locations, an optometrist (not a technician) performs comprehensive eye exams for seniors.
Call one of our stores to schedule an exam or book an appointment online:
How the eyes and vision are affected by age
It’s common to experience different eye conditions and diseases as you age. Fortunately, if treated early enough, many of them can be prevented/corrected. Schedule an eye exam with a doctor of optometry to learn more about managing your risk for age-related eye conditions.
Common age-related vision problems and eye diseases:
PresbyopiaAs you age, Presbyopia becomes increasingly prevalent due to the gradual loss of elasticity in your eye’s lens. This leads to difficulty in focusing on nearby objects.
Dry eyeInsufficient tear production can result in Dry eye, which causes discomfort and blurry vision due to an inadequate tear film. Dry eye symptoms are prevalent in the majority of individuals aged 65 and above.
Dimmed visionAs one ages, experiencing dimmed vision is a typical change. Activities such as reading or close-up work may require brighter lighting than before to perform comfortably.
Age-related macular degenerationThe primary cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and above is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The initial symptom is a blurred central vision. Those with a family history of AMD, Caucasians, smokers, and individuals over 60 have the highest risk of developing this condition.
GlaucomaThe optic nerve that links the eye to the brain is impaired by Glaucoma, resulting in blind spots in the visual field as the nerve deteriorates. Glaucoma typically progresses gradually without any early warning signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, vision loss caused by Glaucoma is permanent and untreated Glaucoma can lead to complete blindness.
CataractsCataracts occur due to the accumulation of proteins in the lens, in addition to UV exposure and the natural aging process, resulting in cloudy areas. Cataracts are prevalent among older adults, and symptoms include blurred vision, reduced or heightened sensitivity to light and color, double vision, and poor night vision. Cataracts progress gradually, but they can be corrected.
Diabetic retinopathyWhen the blood vessels in the retina become damaged, it can cause Diabetic Retinopathy, which may result in vision issues and, in severe cases, blindness. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy rises with the duration of diabetes. Consistent diabetic eye care is crucial for people with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, regardless of age.
How often should seniors have their eyes checked?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends all adults ages 60+ have a comprehensive (dilated) eye exam once a year.
The best way to catch small eye problems before they turn into bigger (or permanent) issues, is with routine eye exams. Eye exams and retinal imaging can also identify issues with your overall health such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
What can an optometrist do?
Many eye diseases have subtle or no symptoms in the early stages. By the time you notice vision changes and see an optometrist, the disease could be at an advanced stage.
The earlier eye problems are diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of protecting your vision. Even if you haven’t noticed any new symptoms or difficulty seeing, it’s important to keep up with routine eye exams to screen for age-related eye conditions.
How much does an eye exam cost for seniors?
The cost of an eye exam can vary based on your insurance coverage. If you’re a senior with vision insurance, your plan most likely covers most or all of a yearly eye exam. At Heartland Vision, our eye specialists accept most vision plans. If you’d like us to check your benefits and explain what’s covered, we can do that too, free of charge. CareCredit is also an available option for eye exams.
Does Medicare cover senior eye exams?
Unfortunately, Medicare generally does not cover annual eye exams, but you might be covered if you meet the criteria for diabetes, glaucoma, or AMD.
Heartland Vision’s Offers
At Heartland Vision we offer quarterly deals & discounts on eyewear products including glasses, frames, lenses, and more. View our current promotions, or contact Heartland Vision for exclusive in-store offers. Terms and conditions apply.
Treatment & referrals
An optometrist who works in vision care for seniors can:
- Diagnose and treat glaucoma with prescribed medication
- Order lab tests for diagnosis or treatment of eye disease
- Prescribe glasses or contact lenses
- Provide vision therapy
If you are diagnosed with a serious/advanced eye disease, an optometrist will refer you to a specialist (ophthalmologist) depending on the needed treatment..
Low-vision devices
Your optometrist may recommend low-vision treatment options to help you with your vision impairment. These devices and products include:
- Magnifiers (hand-held, wearable, or stand)
- Miniature telescopes
- Text-to-speech readers
- Video magnifiers that enlarge, brighten, or increase the contrast in video displays
Your optometrist can give you options for a variety of adaptive technologies and products capable of helping seniors maintain independence with vision loss.
You may also be referred to low-vision rehabilitation services. These specialized low-vision professionals work with older adults to maintain or improve quality of life with impaired vision.
