Senior eye exams
near Chicago
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Affordable eye exams for older adults
For patients age 60 and older, getting regular eye exams is very important - especially for those with known eye conditions, or other health concerns. Comprehensive eye exams for seniors are conducted by an optometrist (not a tech) at all Eye Boutique locations.
Request an appointment online, or call one of our stores to book your exam:
How much is a senior eye exam?
If you have vision insurance, it probably covers all or most of the cost of a yearly eye exam. Our optometrists take most vision plans, and we’re happy to do a benefits check for you.
Without vision insurance, a senior eye exam costs $69 at all Eye Boutique stores. Terms and conditions apply to promotional eye exam pricing, please see offer details.
Does Medicare cover senior eye exams?
Medicare Part B benefits cover eye exams for some patients who meet specific criteria for diabetes, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration. We accept Medicare vision insurance and can help you understand what’s covered in your plan.
Eye care discounts for seniors
At Eye Boutique, seniors get 20% off most products and services. This discount doesn’t apply to contact lenses, or already-discounted items.
Explore all our deals and discounts, or visit a store near you for more information.
How often do seniors need eye exams?
The AOA (American Optometric Association) recommends adults age 60 and older have an annual eye exam.
You should also make an appointment to see your eye doctor if you notice vision changes or discomfort.
Regular eye exams can detect eye problems early, before they develop into more serious conditions. Eye exams can also catch early signs of other health concerns like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.
How aging affects the eyes and vision
The risk of many eye conditions and diseases increases with age. Fortunately, many of these can be effectively treated or prevented if diagnosed early.
Common age-related vision concerns:
Presbyopia (farsightedness) usually begins to develop in the 40s and is common in most older adults. Over time the lens of the eye loses elasticity, which makes it harder to focus up close.
Dry eye symptoms like discomfort and blurred vision can result from aging, hormonal changes, medications, systemic inflammation, and more. Dry eye syndrome is common in older adults.
Dimmed vision can make it harder to perform the same tasks you always have, such as reading or close-up work. Dim vision can be a symptom of retinal problems and other eye conditions.
Common age-related eye diseases:
AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. An early sign is blurred central vision. Smokers, Caucasians, adults over 60 and those with a family history of AMD have a higher risk.
Glaucoma develops slowly and may have no early symptoms or warning signs. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent. Glaucoma results from optic nerve damage, and can cause permanent blindness without treatment.
Cataracts (cloudy areas on the lens of the eye) are very common in seniors. Cataracts develop progressively from protein buildup, UV exposure, and aging. Symptoms can include blurred vision, changing sensitivity to light and color and double vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. It causes vision problems and possibly total vision loss. Risk of diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you’ve lived with diabetes. Regular diabetic eye exams are recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Book an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry to learn more about managing your risk of age-related eye conditions.
Caring optometrists for senior vision care
Don’t wait for vision problems or eye symptoms to see an eye doctor. Many age-related eye diseases have very small or no symptoms in early stages. By the time you notice an issue, the disease may already be advanced.
Early diagnosis and treatment improves your odds of protecting against vision loss. Regular eye exams are the best way for older adults to proactively manage their eye health.
What can an optometrist do for seniors?
A doctor of optometry can provide primary eye and vision care for seniors, including:
- Ordering lab tests to diagnose or treat eye disease
- Diagnosing and treating glaucoma with topical or oral medication
- Prescribing glasses and contact lenses
- Providing vision therapy (orthoptics)
Patients with very serious or advanced eye disease will be referred to a qualified local specialist, such as an ophthalmologist.
Low-vision solutions
Seniors with low-vision impairment can benefit from various devices designed to help maintain independence. Your optometrist may recommend:
- Hand-held, wearable, or stand magnifiers
- Video magnifiers (these can brighten, enlarge or increase contrast in video displays)
- Bioptic telescopes (telescopic low vision glasses)
- Text-to-speech readers
These are only a few examples. There are many types of adaptive products and technologies to help people with low vision. Discuss your concerns with your eye doctor to learn about your options.
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