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        Regular eye examinations can optimise the vision of elderly, identify treatable eye disease and play a part in reducing falls. Vision Call Opticians specialise in providing a thorough eye examination and clinical assessment for this challenging client group.

Auto refractor - This measures the focus of the eye and provides us with an accurate guideline of the patient's prescription. This automatic reading is invaluable when examining patients with cognitive impairment or communication difficulities.

Tonometry - The eyecare tonometer is fast and effective way to screen for Glaucoma. The traditional method required an air puff or eye drops and could be distressing for some residents.

Ophthalmoscope - The pupils are enlagred to allow a thorough health check to be conducted to identify eye disease or even occasionally certain general health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
 

Common Eye Disease.

Cataract
This is a clouding over of the optic lens inside your eye which as it gets worse causes your vision to deteriorate. In about 10% of cataract cases the vision is completely lost, however early detection means that a simple operation can usually solve the problem before it gets to that stage. Cataracts are normally found in the elderly and are the most common cause of decreased vision.

Macular Degeneration
This condition is due to wear and tear at the back of the eye and subsequent changes which affect the macular, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This condition normally affects the elderly and unfortunately there is currently no treatment available. However, an Optician can carry out a low vision assessment to manage the symptoms and help the patient to obtain the best level of vision possible.

Diabetes
It is vital that diabetic patients have regular eye checks to pick up any changes at the back of the eye, especially in the elderly as diabetic changes increase with age. Diabetic changes are symptom less until they become far advanced and can lead to a serious reduction or loss of vision. Although diabetes can cause serious visual problems, regular monitoring can keep the condition under control to keep them to a minimum.

Glaucoma
There are several types of Glaucoma although the most common type involves a build up of pressure in the eye causing damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms are not noticeable as there are no obvious changes to the patients vision until the condition is far advanced. An Optician can detect the disease before the patient notices any changes and if detected early then it can be treated, therefore, regular eye checks are necessary especially those over 40 with a family history of Glaucoma.

Stroke
A stroke affects the function of the brain and can also cause reduced visual field loss. Depending on which side the stroke affects then the vision can be affected in different ways. There are many ways of helping a patient who has had a stroke such as approaching them and placing items on the opposite side from where the stroke has affected to ensure maximum awareness.

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