The eyes age along with the rest of the body, which is why older adults are at a higher risk of developing vision impairments and loss. The most common eye care issues that seniors are vulnerable to include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Unfortunately, these conditions can also put older adults at risk of mobility issues down the line. Falls alone can occur due to poor eyesight and happen to as many as one in four Americans aged over 65 every year. As a result, nearly half of older adults are already diagnosed with mobility issues. Medical professionals find that these incidents—and the resulting disabilities—are easily avoidable if one takes steps to protect their vision.
That makes it crucial for seniors with mobility limitations to continue receiving the necessary eye care as they age. Fortunately, modern technology can make it easier for them to preserve their remaining eyesight and prevent untoward incidents in the future. Here’s how:
Getting eye exams
Previously, we’ve noted that regular checkups are one of the most important lifestyle changes one can make for healthier aging. That’s because they can help you closely monitor your health, spot diseases early, and treat them as soon as possible. Similarly, eye care exams are vital for assessing vision health and diagnosing conditions before they worsen. It’s thus recommended that older adults book them at least once a year. However, that can be more challenging for those living with mobility limitations to accomplish. Vision assessments require close contact with a patient, but it’s now possible for seniors to get them done without having to visit an eye center.
For one, they can benefit from the number of developers and healthcare professionals working to translate telehealth into eye care. Basic tests can now be done through the likes of EyeQue, which can measure presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) by determining the magnification users need to see what’s on their smartphone screen. The results of the test can be used to purchase the necessary prescription eyewear or shared with their usual optometrist for further advice.
Seniors who require comprehensive eye care exams—which use more advanced medical tools to examine even the backs of the eyes—can also get them done at home. That’s thanks to a groundbreaking design for exam tables released by the University of Utah in 2021. The 3D-printed tables are portable but can accommodate all the equipment optometrists and ophthalmologists need to diagnose more serious eye diseases like glaucoma. Originally designed to bring eye care to more rural areas, they can be equally beneficial for older adults who cannot travel to eye clinics due to mobility issues.
Procuring corrective eyewear
Mobility limitations can make it more challenging for seniors who need prescription glasses to go out, browse frames and lenses, try them on, and take them home. Fortunately, many eyewear retailers offer tools that can now help older adults purchase suitable corrective eyewear online. These aim to substitute features or abilities usually only available when buying glasses in-store.
One key factor where this helps is getting the correct lenses. Though optometrists will provide a prescription copy that can be used to specify lens strength, the resulting glasses may not effectively correct refractive errors if they don’t also account for pupillary distance. This measures the distance between the centers of the pupils and is essential for ensuring prescription glasses provide clear, comfortable vision. On Costa Del Mar, seniors can use the Opthy app to instantly get their pupillary distance using a smartphone, and then use the results to buy eyewear online.
Another popular feature that older adults can take advantage of lies in the virtual try-on. These virtual eye care options use augmented reality to accurately map and measure the face, then show eyewear models that suit them. Seniors can try this tool on Zenni Optical, where they can easily see how different frames will look on them before finalizing their purchase. Thus far, those affected by mobility issues can do most everything for eye care from getting a prescription to using it to buying the necessary corrective aids without having to venture outside of their homes.
Refilling prescriptions
In more serious cases, an ophthalmologist will often prescribe medications meant to slow the progression of certain vision impairments. Glaucoma, for example, necessitates the use of beta blockers and rho kinase inhibitors to drain fluid from the eye and reduce ocular pressure. Meanwhile, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or anti-VEGF drugs are crucial for preventing the formation of new blood vessels, which can worsen AMD. However, such eye care medications will require seniors to refill their prescriptions on a regular basis, something that’s harder to do with a mobility impairment.
Here, apps designed for medicine delivery can fill in the gaps. These offer multiple features that can help seniors, or their caretakers easily replenish their supply of medicines remotely. That includes uploading the prescription they’re given after a comprehensive eye exam, making secure purchases, tracking their orders, and even consulting pharmacists for insights on whether eye care medications can be taken with other medicines, like those taken to treat diabetes. Apps like Capsule will even save orders, making future refills quicker and easier to obtain.
Eye care is crucial
Eye care is crucial for everyone, especially older adults who may not be able to access it due to mobility issues. From getting vision assessments to procuring the necessary corrective aids and treatments, they now have a number of options they can use to preserve their eyesight without leaving the home.
This article was written for WHN by RUTH ANN JOHN who is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about health, wellness, and sustainability. When she’s not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her completing an oil painting or doing DIY projects.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/prevention/older-adult-falls.html
https://worldhealth.net/news/7-lifestyle-changes-for-healthier-aging/
https://www.healio.com/news/optometry/20220221/new-app-measures-users-for-computer-reading-glasses
https://www.costadelmar.com/en-us/c/how-to-measure-your-pd
https://customerthink.com/how-are-medicine-delivery-apps-revolutionizing-the-healthcare/
