066 PLANNING FOR LATER LIFE
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eyes have it!
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As we age, eye examinations are a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s normal health care
V
ision problems can lead to a higher risk of falls, driving accidents, and incorrect use of medications. They can also make day-to-day life harder. The best way
to ensure your eyes are healthy is to have regular eye checks.
An eye test will check on the health of your eyes as well as how well your vision is doing so it really does pay to have regular eye tests as you get older to keep an eye on your eyesight/glasses prescription. Eye diseases can be present without obvious symptoms so it’s important to keep your appointment even if you think your eyes are fi ne. Your optician can also pick up conditions such as glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Many eye diseases can be treated successfully if they are detected early.
How often should I get my eyes tested and are tests free? If you are aged between 60 and 70 you’re entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years and annually if older – or as often as your optician recommends. If you notice any changes in your vision, get it checked as soon as possible.
A rather worrying 41% of adults aged 40-75 have noticed a deterioration in their eyesight, but done nothing about it, according to a survey for the Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel. You’ll get a free annual sight test at any age if you have a close family member who has been diagnosed with glaucoma or you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma. You’ll also
get a free annual eye test at any age if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. You should also be offered an additional annual eye test to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Am I entitled to free glasses? If you’re on Pension Credit Guarantee, you and your partner are automatically entitled to a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you or your partner
Eye disease explained
Cataracts form when the clear lens inside your eye becomes misty, a gradual process, often occurring with age but also caused by smoking or strong sunlight. Normally formed in both eyes, one may be worse than the other. Glasses may need changing more often or a routine operation to remove the cataracts carried out.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) happens when the macular at the back of the eye, used for seeing fi ne detail such as reading, becomes damaged. Common symptoms are straight lines appearing as wavy, or patches missing from vision.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged by pressure of the fl uid inside the eye. The risk of glaucoma increases with age and checks should be more regular if
receive Universal Credit and meet certain other criteria, you may also be eligible for help with health costs.
If you and your partner have a low income and savings, you may be able to get help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses through the NHS Low Income scheme.
• Visit
www.lookafteryoureyes.org, www.
ageuk.org.uk and
www.nhs.uk/livewell
a close family member is affected. Eye drops may reduce the pressure and help control the build-up of fl uid but if left untreated, may cause tunnel vision and blindness.
Blepharitis can be uncomfortable but rarely causes serious eye damage. An infl ammation of eyelids, this causes red, puffy or crusty deposits and itchy or irritated eyes. In severe cases lashes may fall out or small ulcers or styes develop. It can be treated by keeping the eyelids clean – a warm compress can loosen crusts or special eyelid wipes can be bought.
Floaters are small dark spots or strands, which appear to fl oat in front of the eyes. Common and generally harmless, they can occur with short sight or age. Flashes of light may also appear. A sudden increase in either condition could be a sign of a retinal detachment, requiring treatment as soon as possible.
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