Expert Care for Eye Disease in the Elderly
Nowadays, people are living longer than in previous generations, and many golden years are spent enjoying life with an active lifestyle. In order to maintain a high quality of life and independence as you age, you need clear and healthy vision. That’s why our Lake Forest eye doctors, Dr. Lucy DeMoss and Dr. Justin Michaels, offer specialized geriatric eye care.
Checking for Eye Disease in the Elderly
We provide thorough and precise eye exams to inspect for eye disease in the elderly, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. These conditions are linked strongly to aging, and they often remain silent for a long time. Without symptoms, an eye exam is therefore the only reliable way to diagnose these problems.
Once you notice the symptoms of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, there may already be irreversible vision loss. In contrast, when these eye diseases are detected early, we can begin treatment early for a more successful outcome. If you are over 65, it is critical to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to preserve your eye health and eyesight for as long as possible.
Cataract Surgery Co-Management
Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases associated with aging. Fortunately, cataract surgery is regarded as very safe and extremely effective. During this procedure, your eye surgeon will use a laser to remove the cloudy lens and then replace it with a transparent artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is quick, safe, and generally performed on an outpatient basis.
If you require cataract surgery, you will need a preoperative eye exam and consultation, as well as postoperative care afterwards. To make this as easy and comfortable as possible, our optometrists provide full cataract surgery co-management in our Lake Forest office. This service gives you the best of both worlds – you will benefit from cataract surgery by a top-notch eye surgeon in the area, as well as receive excellent follow-up care from an eye doctor who knows you personally. Cataract surgery co-management offers ultimate convenience and comfort, as there’s no need to travel repeatedly to the hospital or surgical center.
Visual Acuity Testing
Our optometrists are trained to evaluate geriatric vision, and a full assessment of visual acuity is a vital part of comprehensive eye exams for senior citizens. Did you know that statistics estimate as many as 94% of patients in nursing homes need to wear eyeglasses for nearsightedness or presbyopia, yet only 31% may be wearing the correct eyewear for their vision condition?!
Untreated vision problems can put elderly individuals at an increased risk for eyestrain, as well as hazardous trips and falls. Without acute eyesight, coordination and balance are compromised. This leads to a more dependence on others and a greatly reduced quality of life. Seniors require regular vision testing to ensure that their vision prescription is up-to-date and their eyewear is appropriate to support their needs.
Dry Eye in Senior Citizens In Lake Forest, CA
By age 65, most people suffer from the annoying symptoms of dry eye syndrome, either on a mild or severe level. Although dry eye in senior citizens is not dangerous, it can be painful and interfere with daily life.
In general, dry eye in the older population is caused by reduced tear production due to age, specific medical conditions, or certain medications. Senior citizens who live in dry or windy climates also tend to suffer from dry eye syndrome. Another cause of dry eye is a poor tear composition that leads to rapid evaporation of the tear film.
Our eye doctors in Lake Forest, CA will help to identify the cause of dry eye in senior citizens and recommend the most suitable treatment. We will explain the treatment options and provide guidance on ways to prevent or minimize the symptoms of dry eye.
Dr. Lucy DeMoss and Dr. Justin Michaels, are experts in geriatric eye care.
Geriatric Eye Care Depends Upon an Open Partnership
Collaboration between all medical providers is essential for providing the best geriatric eye care. Many seniors take an assortment of medications, and the full health situation may be complex. Our Lake Forest team encourages an open relationship and clear communication between eye doctor, physicians, and patient.
Conveniently located on Lake Center Drive in Lake Forest, South County Eye Care is open 6 days a week. With our office located in Lake Forest, South County Eye Care has been serving the greater Orange County area since 1980.
- Phone: (949) 454-1064
- Fax: (949) 454-4111
Lake Forest, CA 92630
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed