August is National Eye Exam Month. When was your dad’s last eye exam? If it’s been more than a year, he’s overdue. These six facts demonstrate the importance of yearly eye exams.

1. 27.8% of Adults Over the Age of 70 Have Some Form of Vision Impairment

After the age of 70, almost three out of ten men and women have at least one eye condition or disease that impacts their vision. This was higher than previous estimates had calculated for 2022.

2. More Than Half of Blindness Cases in Older Adults Are Linked to AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in older adults within the U.S. An estimated 54% of vision loss is tied to AMD. The dry form is most common and is caused by age-related thinning of the macula, which creates issues with central vision.

3. Cataracts Are the Leading Eye Condition in Older Adults

In a study of 19 states, one out of every three older adults was found to have cataracts, a condition where a milky film covers the lens. It’s a leading eye health condition, and it can be caught and treated as long as older adults go for annual eye exams. Women report cataracts more often than men.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy Rates Are Expected to Quadruple by 2050

It’s expected that the number of older adults with diabetic retinopathy will increase from 2.5 million to 9.9 million in the next 27 years. That’s not the only eye disease that’s expected to spike. Macular degeneration rates are expected to double from 9.1 million to 17.8 million.

5. 6% of Older Adults Have Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition where the pressure in the eye builds up too much. It can lead to permanent blindness if it’s not addressed. High blood pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma, so a comprehensive plan that addresses high blood pressure through medications, weight loss, and exercise is important.

6. Dilated Eye Exams Catch Eye Diseases Early

The best way to catch an eye disease in the earliest stage is by going for yearly eye exams. A dilated eye exam is important, yet an estimated seven out of ten older adults have had this type of eye exam in the past year. An average of 25% have not had any type of eye exam in the past year.

Don’t let worsening vision keep your dad from maintaining his independence as he ages at home. He may need a helping hand from time to time. Home care assistance offers that help.

Arrange home care assistance for him after asking him what he can do with ease and where he most needs help. Once you have answers to those questions, call a home care advisor to make the necessary arrangements.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care assistance in Greenville, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding area.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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