Vision & Voice
What aspects of their visual
health should seniors be
mindful of as they age?
“Our health declines as we age, including our visual health. Major
issues often faced by seniors are macular degeneration and cataracts.
Some symptoms that seniors should be aware of are flashes of light,
dramatic increase in eye floaters or any change in vision such as
cloudiness or issues in their visual fields. If you experience any of these
symptoms, you need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. UV-
blocking eyewear is an important tool to prevent damage caused by UV
exposure. Photochromic lenses, polarized sunglasses or polycarbonate
or high-index lenses protect the eyes from UV light. It’s never too late to
focus on better health.”
Paul Sim, Licensed Optician, Opticians Association of Canada.
“
“As people age the chance
of developing eye problems
increases. Cataracts will
develop in almost everyone at
some point in their lifetime and
increase the risk of trip and fall
injuries significantly. Diseases
like macular degeneration
and glaucoma are also more
common with increasing age
and may produce few symptoms
early on yet are most effectively
managed when treated early.
For this reason regular annual
eye examinations are important
in those over 65.”
Dr. Phil Hooper,
Ophthalmologist, Ivey Eye Institute,
St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, Ontario.
“As people age, the normal
function of the eye tissue
deteriorates and vision
can be affected. Many of
these conditions develop
painlessly and with no warning
symptoms so your best
defense is a comprehensive
regular examination with your
optometrist. Healthy lifestyle
choices, such as regular
exercise, eating a healthy
“Seniors should be mindful of age-related macular degeneration
and cataracts. While both conditions manifest in our later years, it
is important to realize that both are partially caused by our lifelong
exposure to the sun. It’s important that seniors (and those of all ages)
always grab their sunglasses as they head out for the day, in order to
protect their eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.”
Dr. Justin Bazan, Optometrist and Medical Adviser, The Vision Council.
8 Optical Prism | October 2019
balanced diet and maintaining
good overall health will go a long
way to maintaining good vision
as the years go by.”
Kirsten North, Consultant,
Professional Practice and Health
Policy, Canadian Association Of
Optometrists.