Keeping an Eye on Eyesight as You Get Older

As we age, it is undeniable that our health undergoes various changes, and the same applies to our bodies. Merely looking in the mirror can reveal that our appearance is different from our 27-year-old selves when we reach our 40s and beyond. Additionally, our cognitive abilities tend to decline as we grow older.

Unfortunately, we often overlook the importance of our eyesight, taking it for granted. While we may wear glasses and notice a decline in visual acuity compared to our younger years, it is essential to recognize that several eye disorders can manifest as we age, some of which can significantly impact our independence.

While eye problems and dementia may seem unrelated, a growing body of research suggests a potential connection between the two. Studies have found that certain eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, may increase the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia.

The exact mechanisms underlying this relationship are still being investigated. However, one possible explanation is that both eye problems and dementia share common underlying factors, such as vascular disease and inflammation, which can affect the brain and the eyes. Additionally, the retina, located at the back of the eye, is an extension of the central nervous system and shares similarities with the brain.

Emerging evidence suggests that changes in the retina, such as thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer or the presence of specific retinal abnormalities, may serve as potential biomarkers for early detection of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Common Eye Problems 

There are several common yet less severe eye conditions that many individuals encounter. According to the National Institute on Aging, these disorders include:

1. Eyelid problems: With aging, issues like redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and crusting of eyelashes during sleep can arise.
2. Floaters: Floaters refer to tiny specks that float across our field of vision. While they are common in older adults, they can sometimes indicate a more serious eye problem, like a detached retina.
3. Presbyopia: This condition affects many individuals as they age, leading to a gradual loss of near vision or difficulty reading small print. Eyeglasses often provide a straightforward solution.

Serious Eye Issues Impacting Independence 

In addition to the aforementioned common eye problems, there are more severe issues that can arise as we age, potentially affecting our independence. One such problem is age-related macular degeneration, which can necessitate assistance with daily activities.

Each year, more than 3 million cases of macular degeneration are diagnosed, primarily among individuals aged 60 and older. This condition involves the deterioration of the central part of the retina. There are two types: wet and dry macular degeneration.

Wet macular degeneration accounts for approximately 15 percent of all diagnoses. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina and macula. On the other hand, dry macular degeneration, the most common type, is characterized by the formation of small yellow deposits called drusen under the macula.

Wet macular degeneration advances more quickly than dry macular degeneration. You can read more about macular degeneration by clicking here.

There are other eye diseases and disorders. Learn more by clicking here.

Vision and Insurance

Most eye diseases are covered by health insurance, including Medicare and Medicare supplements. However, vision problems can lead to your need for help with daily activities and can contribute to your need for long-term health care.

People with substantial vision problems will need in-home care to provide either hands-on or standby assistance with normal activities or a facility, like assisted living, that offers these services in a secure environment. 

Remember, most long-term care services are custodial and not covered at all by health insurance, including Medicare and supplements. Medicaid will only pay for long-term care if you have little or no income and assets. 

Surgery Corrects Many Common Vision Issues

Advancements in medical technology have brought about significant improvements in correcting various vision problems through surgical procedures. These procedures aim to address common vision impairments, providing individuals with clearer and sharper vision, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective eyewear. 

Let's explore a few of these vision problems that can now be successfully corrected with surgery:

1. Myopia (Nearsightedness): Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. With the advent of laser-assisted techniques such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), surgical correction of myopia has become a widely popular and effective option. These procedures involve reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.
2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Hyperopia causes difficulties in focusing on nearby objects, while distant objects may appear clearer. Surgical procedures like LASIK and PRK can also correct hyperopia by reshaping the cornea to adjust the focusing power of the eye. In some cases, alternative techniques such as implantable lenses or clear lens exchange may be recommended.
3. Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at any distance. Surgical options like LASIK, PRK, or astigmatic keratotomy can help reshape the cornea, correcting the irregularities and improving visual clarity.
4. Presbyopia: Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the natural lens of the eye loses flexibility, leading to difficulty focusing on close-up objects. While not a surgical procedure, refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction can effectively address presbyopia by replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens, such as a multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). This allows for improved near and distance vision without the need for reading glasses.

Not everyone may be a suitable candidate for these surgical procedures. A comprehensive eye examination by an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon is essential to determine eligibility and discuss the best options for each individual's specific vision needs and overall eye health.

There can be side effects to Lasik procedures, like dry eye. According to EyeFacts.com, eye drops can be effective in treating this problem.  

Aging and Long-Term Health Care - Solution - LTC Insurance

Aging brings many challenges, including vision problems. Many of these problems increase the need for long-term health care. Since the cost of care is so high and rising sharply, adding a Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan makes sense. It should be part of a comprehensive retirement plan.

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides the guaranteed tax-free benefits that will pay for your choice of quality care, including in-home care that many families prefer for their loved ones. 

Without Long-Term Care Insurance, either your family will become caregivers, or you will use your own funds to pay for this care. This care is costly and adversely impacts income and assets, which affects lifestyle and legacy.

Family caregivers face physical and emotional burdens. When you have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will maintain control and allow your family the time to be family. 

Since this type of insurance is medically underwritten, you should obtain coverage when you still enjoy good health, ideally in your 40s or 50s.

Find a qualified Long-Term Care specialist to help you navigate options - click here.