As you age, your risk for developing serious eye conditions increases significantly. Many age-related eye diseases develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms in their initial stages, making regular comprehensive eye exams your first line of defense against vision loss.

During a senior eye exam, our doctors thoroughly evaluate your eyes for common age-related conditions, including:

• Glaucoma

• Macular degeneration

• Cataracts

• Diabetic retinopathy

According to research from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about one in four older adults (27%) have been diagnosed with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease. Early detection of these conditions allows us to provide treatment that can slow progression and preserve your vision. For instance, glaucoma often shows no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, but regular eye exams can detect increased eye pressure and optic nerve changes before damage becomes irreversible.

Beyond disease detection, senior eye exams also address changes in your vision prescription. Many seniors experience presbyopia, which makes reading and close-up tasks more challenging. Our doctors can recommend suitable vision correction options, ranging from progressive lenses to bifocals, to help you maintain clear vision at all distances.

Your comprehensive eye exam at Vision Source Mandan begins with an in-depth review of your medical history, current medications, and any vision concerns you may have. Many medications regularly prescribed to seniors can affect eye health, and our doctors carefully review these factors when evaluating your eye health.

​​​​​​​Our advanced diagnostic testing includes dilated eye exams, which allow our doctors to thoroughly examine the inner structures of your eyes, including the optic nerve and retina. While you may experience temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision after dilation, this examination provides crucial information about your eye health that cannot be obtained through other methods.

Specialized Testing for Seniors

We also perform specialized tests tailored to senior patients, including tonometry to measure eye pressure for glaucoma detection and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans when necessary. These non-invasive tests provide detailed images of your retinal layers, helping our doctors detect early signs of macular degeneration and other retinal conditions.

For seniors with diabetes, we pay special attention to diabetic eye health, as diabetes significantly increases the risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Dr. Wayne Aberle has a particular interest in diabetic eye exams and ensures comprehensive monitoring for our diabetic patients.

Several eye conditions become more prevalent with age. cataracts affect nearly all seniors to some degree, causing cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing at night, which is why we offer comprehensive cataract evaluation services. While cataracts cannot be prevented, we monitor their progression and refer you to trusted surgeons when cataract surgery becomes necessary.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and can substantially impact your ability to read, drive, and recognize faces. Our doctors, particularly Dr. Brittany Schauer, who has advanced training in managing macular degeneration, provide comprehensive AMD care and can recommend specialized treatments and low-vision aids when appropriate.

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” destroys the optic nerve and typically occurs without noticeable symptoms, making professional management essential. Routine eye exams give us the chance to track your eye pressure and optic nerve health. This allows us to implement treatment strategies that prevent vision loss from glaucoma progression.

Maintaining good eye health between your regular exams involves several essential practices. Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing quality sunglasses year-round, especially in North Dakota, where snow reflection can increase UV exposure. Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to provide essential nutrients for maintaining eye health.

If you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control significantly reduces your risk for diabetic eye complications. Take all medications as prescribed and work closely with your primary care physician to control your overall health, as many systemic conditions can affect your eyes.

​​​​​​​Stay vigilant for sudden changes in your vision, including flashing lights, floating spots, sudden vision loss, or severe eye pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact our office immediately. At Vision Source Mandan, we provide emergency eye care services because prompt treatment can often prevent permanent vision loss.