Over 40? Why eye exams are important

Human eye. Truncap image CC BY 4.0,

Eye exams are extremely important as people age to prevent blindness from cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy and macular degeneration. In addition, eye exams are necessary in order to reduce eye fatigue with the correct eyeglasses correction.

According to Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr. Daniel Laroche, MD, it is important for people to understand and act to prevent the dangers of serious eye conditions that can occur after age 40.

The most common eye condition is glaucoma, which is an eye disease characterized by three components:

1. Damage and loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve described as suckers.

2. Loss of visual field;

3. Usually increased eye pressure (average normal eye pressure is 15 mmHG).

Therefore, an eye exam is important because vision loss occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Therefore, many people don't even realize it is happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision.

The most identifiable cause of this high pressure is age-related lens enlargement.

For these reasons, people who have never had vision problems should start regular eye care appointments, as they may have vision impairment that they are unaware of. This is especially true as people get older for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and retinopathy which can start showing up between the ages of 40 and 70.

Dr. Laroche is versatile and has written a song featuring the voices of two of his patients to raise awareness of glaucoma and cataracts called "Eye Pressure".

Dr. Laroche explains, "Over time, these diseases can lead to blindness, so it's best to tackle them as soon as possible. We have new treatments with earlier surgical options that can help preserve (or restore) their vision with faster recovery times. "

The expert explains that all people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam that includes gonioscopy (examination of the angle of drainage), measurement of intraocular pressure with applanation tonometry of Goldmann and an examination of the dilated optic nerve.

LaRoche adds, "Human sight or vision is one of the most important senses. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the risk of blindness and vision loss while staying alert to any developing eye disease, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Early cataract surgery and newer, safer micro-invasive glaucoma surgery can help prevent blindness from glaucoma, improve vision, and reduce the need for eye drops.