September is Healthy Aging Month
2020 has brought its share of challenges. We’ve endured quarantines, recessed economies, watched much of our nation grapple with civil unrest and even acclimated to wearing masks in public. The world health pandemic continues to affect school districts, businesses, healthcare providers, individual families and governments from local to federal in ways both big and small.
Even still, it’s a good reminder to know that across the nation and across the world, people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. It’s true! And no matter how well (or not well) your year has gone so far, this month offers a chance for a renewed focus.
It’s a great time to focus on our senior population as it pertains to staying fit, staying active, staying safe and staying healthy. Here at Center For Sight, we love our senior patients and we are a trusted resource for all the eye-related issues that accompany getting older. So grab a pumpkin spice latte and let’s talk about the best ways to keep your vision healthy and strong for a lifetime.
Healthy Vision Important in Every Season of Life
Fact: Vision loss is not a normal part of aging. But it is true that older individuals are at higher risk for certain eye diseases and conditions. Things like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye, just to name a few. Some of these conditions have no early symptoms, but they are easily detected during a comprehensive eye exam, which is something you should commit to annually.
The Stats on Seniors
This popular group is strong and growing! More than 40 million Americans are currently age 65 or older, and this number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050. That’s a lot of older Americans! By that same year, the number of Americans with age-related eye diseases is expected to double, and the number of people living with low vision is projected to triple. Without any doubt, early detection and treatment are vital to saving sight.
Having a dilated eye exam every year is just as important as having an annual physical. It can help detect age-related eye diseases in their earliest stages. Even if you are not experiencing vision problems, you should still prioritize having an annual eye exam. This is one of the best (and easiest!) things you can do to make sure your one set of eyes stays healthy for a lifetime.
Live Beyond the Blur
Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. According to Prevent Blindness America, cataracts currently affect more than 22 million Americans, and that number is on the rise. You need to know that cataracts cannot be treated with medication or changes to your lifestyle or diet. They must be surgically removed in order for vision to be restored. Lots of patients ask us when is the right time to have cataract surgery, and we like to say when cataracts begin to negatively affect your lifestyle and the activities you enjoy, it’s time to see an expert.
At Center For Sight, we offer the latest technologies and techniques in cataract surgery, including Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. Major advances in lens exchange procedures allow people just like you to continue to live their lives the way they want to live them. At Center For Sight, we offer a variety of Premium Lens Implants that can correct your cataracts AND reduce your dependency on glasses, bifocals and even readers. Our own Dr. Eva Liang loves to talk to people about their lives and goals when crafting a customized cataract treatment plan.
Healthy Aging Month is the ideal time to schedule a cataract evaluation. Take control of your health (including your eyes!). Whatever the rest of 2020 looks like, See it with 20/Happy Vision. Your Center For Sight team is here for you!
