lighting the way

 

Lighting the Way

A guide to better lighting for older adults was developed by the Lighting Research Center and the Andrus Foundation. It is available for download

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vision exam with a slit lamp

A First-Time Visit To An Ophthalmologist

A first-hand report on what happens when you visit a physician who specializes in eyes.

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ophthalmologist in dictionary

Getting It Right!

 

opthomologist

bad spelling

 

opthamolagist

more bad spelling

 

opthamalogist

even more bad spelling

 

opthalmologist

still more bad spelling

 

ophthalmologist

ah, now we got it right !

 

An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the eye, or an eye surgeon, or both.

 

Eye Diseases To Look Out For

 

There are four eye diseases common to the aging body. These are cataracts, macular degeneration, the effects of diabetes (and other chronic conditions,) and detached retina.

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man rubbing eyes

 

Does Your Eyesight Change From Day To Day?

Your blood sugar could be rising and falling. This effects your whole body including your eyes. Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar damages the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. These damaged vessels leak blood, which affects your vision. Some food choices and an excercise plan can control high blood sugar. You may be pre-diabetic or actually have diabetes without knowing that you have it. Please don't delay in learning all you can about what your body needs. See your doctor and have a frank discussion. Diabetes could lead to blindness and it CAN be treated.

 

man peering over glasses

 

Flashes & Floaters

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You may sometimes see small specks moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. You may often see them when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or blue sky. They will appear to move as you move your eyes. They are called "floaters."

 

Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells in the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the back chamber in your eye.

 

When floaters first appear, they may be accompanied by what appears to be flashes of light. These are most easily seen when in the dark.

 

New floaters or more floaters can be caused by shrinking of the vitreous gel away from the retina. This usually is harmless, but in some people the vitreous may be firmly attached to the retina in one or more places, and here the retina may be torn as the vitreous pulls away.

 

A tear can lead to a detached retina which is definitely a serious matter. So make an appointment with your ophthalmologist right away if flashes and floaters are new or changed.

ElderThinker