Improving Eyesight After 40

We recommend eye disease screening for all aging adults.

When Should You See an Ophthalmologist in Calgary?

For people with no symptoms of eye problems or risk factors:

Seniors with no symptoms or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening after 40. Early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur at this age.

Your ophthalmologist will tell you how often to have follow-up exams based on the results of this screening. He or she will compare the results of your baseline screening to your future exam results for improving eyesight after 40.

For people with symptoms of eye problems or risk factors:

People of any age or seniors who have symptoms or are at risk for eye disease should see an ophthalmologist now to determine how often to have eye exams. People in this group should not wait until over 40 to get a baseline eye disease screening.

These risk factors include:

• Diabetes,
• High blood pressure, or
• A family history of eye disease.

If you already see an ophthalmologist in Calgary to treat persistent disease or injuries, do not stop for improving eyesight after 40. Also, keep your current vision examination appointments for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Getting your eye health screening at 40 is much like mammograms at 40 or colon screenings at 50. Seniors should take similar eyes care exams to maintain their eye health as they age.

Why Get an Eye Screening over the age of 40?

A baseline eye exam is essential because it may detect eye diseases common in adults aged 40 and over. The eye care exam provides a greater opportunity for early eye treatment and preservation of vision.

An eye care exam by an ophthalmologist can uncover common conditions like those outlined below. It can also find less common but serious problems, such as ocular tumors. The exam can also reveal systemic diseases that affect the eyes, like hypertension and diabetes. With early treatment, potentially blinding eye problems often have a good outcome. These diseases include glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Common Eye Diseases Found in People 40 and Over

Common eye diseases can impact people 40 and over without them knowing there is any problem with their eyes. An eye screening after 40 can catch these diseases early and prevent vision loss.

• Glaucoma- Many people have no idea that they have glaucoma until they have significant, irreversible vision loss. This is because this disease often has no symptoms until vision loss is extensive. Early detection and treatment of POAG may prevent or delay loss of vision.

• Diabetic Retinopathy– Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness and often affects working-age seniors. Effective treatments are available for reducing the risk of blindness from diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes do not receive treatment in time to minimize vision loss.

• Cataracts – Cataracts are prevalent. We often think of cataracts as strictly a problem for senior citizens. However, the risk of developing cataracts starts to increase at about age 40. Managing your eye health at 40 can prevent cataracts from interfering with your vision as you age.

Take Steps to Protect Your Eye Vision

If you are age 40 or over and have not had a recent eye care test & disease screening, schedule one with an eye ophthalmologist today. It is an essential step toward preserving your vision and keeping your eyes healthy.