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Senior Eye Exams

Tamas EyeCare and the AAO recommend seniors have annual eye exams. As most people age, their vision needs change. Complications can arise and getting expert care from a doctor of optometry is critical. Call Tamas EyeCare to book an eye exam with Dr. Tamas or book online.

Common Eye Problems

Per the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), your eyes are the windows to your overall health, and an eye exam can also uncover underlying, and sometimes life-threatening, health issues.  Early detection is always important in treating eye disease and health issues.

The most common eye problems among seniors include:

Presbyopia is a natural effect of aging, usually occurring after the age of 40, in which the ability to focus on close objects decreases over time.  It can cause headaches, blurred vision, tired eyes and the need for more light. This can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Cataracts exist when the normally clear lens within your eye becomes cloudy and opaque.  Cataracts are a function of aging and are most often found in people over the age of 60, although they are occasionally found in younger people, including newborns.

Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye, and can cause changes in vision. Detection during an eye exam is often the first indication that a person may have the disease, or that a person with diabetes does not have adequate blood sugar control.  The most serious eye problem associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

Macular degeneration affects the macula­–the central most part of the retina.  It causes the centre of your vision to blur or distort while the side or peripheral vision remains unaffected.  It is generally related to the aging process, and is the leading cause of blindness in North American adults over the age of 55.  While there is no cure, early detection and prevention measures can delay or reduce vision loss.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada.  It is a progressive disease that most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40, with the risk of the disease increasing with age.  There is a greater risk of developing glaucoma for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of eye injuries or a family history of glaucoma.

Falls Prevention

Per the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), falls are the leading cause of serious injuries among seniors, and seniors with low vision are more than twice as likely to fall.  This is why it’s important to visit a doctor of optometry, at Tamas EyeCare, annually for an eye exam.

As most people age, their vision needs change. Some changes that you may notice include:
•    Identifying objects is more challenging, especially at night.
•    Judging distance is more difficult.
•    Everyday tasks like reading take more effort or require glasses.
•    Colours are less bright and the contrast between colours is less noticeable.
•    Visual fields begin to narrow, which may lead to challenges with driving.
•    Fewer tears are produced, leading to burning or stinging dry eyes.

Here are some actions you can take to improve and protect your vision and prevent falls:
•    Use high wattage light bulbs.
•    Use nightlights or motion sensors in the bathroom and hallways.
•    Wear sunglasses, even in the winter.
•    Mark the edge of stairs with coloured paint or treads.
•    Keep the lighting similar in every room.
•    Speak with your doctor of optometry about multifocal lenses

Discuss any changes to your eyes or vision with Dr. Tamas at Tamas EyeCare
. Getting expert care from a doctor of optometry is crucial for preserving sight, preventing falls and protecting overall health.

Eye Infections, Injuries and Monitoring Eye Disease

Per the AAO, all Albertans are covered by Alberta Health for medically necessary and urgent care visits to their doctor of optometry.  The doctors at Tamas EyeCare have the proper knowledge, tools and equipment necessary to diagnose, treat or refer to a specialist, if needed.  This includes things, such as:

  • eye infections or injuries
  • foreign objects in the eyes
  • sudden changes in vision
  • monitoring for diabetes issues, glaucoma and retinal disease
  • post-operative care for cataract patients

You do not need a referral.

Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun

Per the AAO, protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is just as important as putting on sunscreen to protect your skin, and it is an issue through every season of the year.  The glare from snow can be just as harmful as the glare from water.  Many age-related eye diseases may be partially caused by UV exposure throughout your life.

Speak to Dr. Tamas for more information.  In addition to appropriate sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap can provide further protection.

Diabetes and Macular Retinopathy Screening

Tamas EyeCare is equipped with NIDEK Retina Scan DUO, a device that takes scans and photos of the back of your eyes, to find things like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration earlier than ever before!

Specialist Referrals If Needed

Tamas EyeCare will refer all patients that need to be seen by a specialist, and will take appropriate steps to make the process as smooth as possible for our senior clients.

Of current importance (2019/2020), cataract surgery referrals are taking between 6-12 months for some of our patients, as most Calgary area ophthalmologists are very busy with an abundance of cataract surgeries needed for patients in the province.

Comprehensive Senior Examination

Senior eye exams are covered for all ages 65 and over by Alberta Health Care.

Additional Charges

Contact lens prescriptions

(587) 755-6060