EyeCare America: Healthy Eyes Happy Lives Infographic

One in six Americans age 65 and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The risk of eye disease increases with age, yet many older adults neglect to see an ophthalmologist for care.

Here are some facts and tips for seniors age 65 and older about keeping eyes healthy through the years. Learn why it’s crucial for seniors to have regular eye exams.

It’s important to have a complete eye exam with your ophthalmologist every year or two after age 65. For those who are concerned about the cost of an eye exam, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program may be able to help.

As you age, vision loss can increase your risk of falling or injuring yourself. Here are some tips for improving the safety of your home to avoid common hazards that can cause you to slip and fall.

It’s important to see an ophthalmologist right away if you start to have trouble recognizing faces, reading, driving or shopping. Your doctor will check for certain eye and health conditions, and connect you with low vision resources and devices to help with reading and other daily tasks.

Things that affect the overall health of your body tend to also affect your eyes. So it may come as no surprise that exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can help protect your vision as you age. There’s no time like the present to get started!