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What Types of Vision Care Services are Available for Seniors?

Seniors are affected by numerous different ailments that impair their vision. Some of the most common issues affecting seniors are cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and ocular hypertension. Most of these are treatable, but they need to be detected early before serious, irreversible damage is done. Eye check-ups are not only useful for seniors’ eyes, but they can also detect other underlying senior health problems like artery blockages or high cholesterol. There are two main types of doctors that diagnose eyes, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. They both can fulfill many of the same services: examine eyes for vision and health problems; low vision care and vision therapy; prescribe medications. Ophthalmologist can perform all of the services listed above, but they can also perform eye surgery. Seniors can see either for their yearly check-up, but unless a senior suspects surgery is looming on the horizon, there is no substantial benefit to seeing an ophthalmologist. Opticians fulfill prescriptions by creating the lenses necessary for either glasses or contacts.