August is National Eye Exam Month, and for many seniors, it’s a great reminder of how important it is to take care of your vision. Whether you’ve always had strong eyesight or you rely on glasses and contact lenses, regular eye exams are key to detecting issues early and preserving your sight.

Keep reading to learn more about common eye conditions, the importance of routine vision exams, and ways Kauhale Centerville supports eye health for residents.

What Are Common Age-Related Eye Conditions?

As we get older, it’s normal for our eyes to experience changes that impact how we see. Some of the most common age-related eye conditions include:

• Cataracts – Clouding of the lens that can blur or dim vision
• Glaucoma – A group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve
• Macular Degeneration – A leading cause of vision loss in seniors
• Dry Eye Syndrome – Often caused by certain medications or even hormonal changes
• Diabetic Retinopathy – Related to diabetes and blood vessel damage in the retina

These conditions often progress slowly and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making regular vision exams especially important.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults age 65 and older have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years, even if they don’t have existing vision problems. If you have diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or high blood pressure, you may need to see your eye doctor for more frequent exams. Regular eye check-ups can help identify issues early, when they are most treatable.

What Can I Expect During an Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam is easy, painless and usually includes:

• A review of your medical history and any symptoms or vision changes
• Vision testing with charts and lenses
• Dilation to check the health of the retina and optic nerve
• Screening for common conditions like glaucoma and cataracts

Supporting Eye Health at Kauhale

At Kauhale Centerville, we make it easy for our residents to stay on top of their vision care. Our team can help with:

• Scheduling appointments and transportation to local eye doctors
• Medication reminders for prescribed eye treatments
• Support for adapting to vision changes, like enhanced lighting or magnifiers

If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, August is the perfect time to schedule your next visit. Or, to learn more about Kauhale Centerville and how we support wellness, schedule an in-person tour. We look forward to meeting you!