Healthy Aging Month and Your Vision

September is Healthy Aging Month. Aging does not have to mean vision loss and blindness. It is more important than ever to care for our eyes as we age. With proper care and screening, your eyes can maintain their strength and clarity throughout your life.
Individuals should seek the help of an ophthalmologist at all ages.

It is especially important for those over 50 and those with diabetes to have regular eye exams with pupil dilation. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, dilating the pupils and examining the back of the eyes is the most comprehensive way for eye care professionals to detect eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss occurs.

These issues include:
• Age-related macular degeneration, which gradually destroys the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision.
• Cataract, a clouding of the lens in the eye.
• Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
• Glaucoma, a group of diseases that can cause fluid and pressure to build up in the eye and damage the optic nerve.

Dr. Charles Colombo, former chief of ophthalmology at William Beaumont Hospital Troy, suggests both regular eye exams and glaucoma testing for those over 50. His office offers the latest advancements in glaucoma and vision therapies to assist with all levels of eye health. From exams and surgery to an onsite low vision specialist, Colombo Eye Care works to assist the community see clearly and reduce eye health issues.

Colombo also suggests a healthy balanced diet along with maintain weight and exercise and proper eye care in the sun as key factors to protect your eyes as you age. “Our eyes are as essential part of our longevity and quality of life,” says Dr. Colombo. “With appropriate care and maintenance, patients are able to save their vision quality and eye health as they age. When needs arise, we address them quickly and as noninvasively as possible to keep individuals seeing clearly and enjoying life.”

Colombo Eye Care also treats many of the vision issues seen by individuals over the age of 40. Those include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and dry eye. His expertise has helped hundreds throughout the Metro Detroit are restore vision quality.

Mark September as Healthy Aging Month in your calendar and call today to make your annual vision exam. Find out more about Colombo Eye Care by visiting www.colomoboeyecare.com or calling 248-293-5161. Colombo Eye Care is located at 1701 South Blvd. E Suite 180 in Rochester Hills.