Common Myths About Senior Vision Care and Safety

Debunking the most common myths about elderly eye care and vision.

It can be scary and nerve-racking to think about all of the things that are going to happen to our minds and bodies when we get older. Tasks that have always seemed relatively simple, such as jogging around the neighborhood or walking around your park, suddenly will become a lot more exhausting and time-consuming. Memories that used to be sharp as a tack may suddenly begin to fade away when it comes to the dates and the details.

However, one change that comes along with the aging process, which may just cause the most anxiety in those approaching their senior years, is vision changes. We not only rely on vision for our work and our leisure activities, but also every other aspect of our daily living. Therefore, when your eyes begin to deteriorate and your vision declines over time, it can make you nervous for your future.

Luckily, most of the vision problems and diseases that are related to senior vision can be fixed and improved through the simple task of routine eye examinations. But first, it’s important to understand senior vision problems and just what causes them in the first place.

To help you do this, we have put together three of the most common myths about senior vision care. Once these false facts and eye care rumors have been debunked, you will have a better idea of the importance of regular vision screenings and maintaining proper eye care.

Cataracts Cause Blindness In Very Few Adults

FALSE. This common eye disease affects many people―aged 40 and older―each and every year. In fact, cataracts is the leading cause of blindness among older adults in the United States, with more than 20 million people developing this disease. It’s also important to note that cataracts typically cause no symptoms until they begin interfering with your vision. Therefore, it’s important to screen for them even if you have no signs of poor vision.

Vision Is Not Related To Senior Driving Mistakes

FALSE. It can be difficult to practice the act of driving for 30-40 years, only to have your skills and your abilities decline once you are older. However, there is no doubt that our ability to see moving objects deteriorates much sooner as we age. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65-75. Declining eyesight can seriously compromise your vision and your safety, as well as the safety of those around you, when you are on the road with vision damage.

You Cannot Have Vision Surgery Once You’re A Senior

FALSE. While many people were apprehensive about the benefits of vision surgery on older individuals when the technology was just invented, the safety and efficiency of many procedures has improved significantly in the last few years, offering plenty of options for those 60 and up. Some of these operations include a way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism, cataracts, etc. Many of these surgical procedures also make it possible to permanently eliminate the need to wear contacts or glasses through LASIK surgery.

There are many different steps that you can take to ensure that your vision stays strong and healthy well into your golden years of life. However, be sure to set up a regular vision screening every year once you reach the age of 60. If you have any more questions about senior vision care, be sure to contact OCLI today to discuss your options and the procedure that would work best for you.

Back to our blog