_MG_4479Older Adults (41 to 60 years)

Your advocate for older adult eye wellness

From the age of 41 to 60, optometric patients should expect changes in their eyes and their vision. After age 40, “presbyopia,” or difficulty focusing for reading and near sight, becomes a more common issue, and is progressive.

York Family Eyecare has the expertise to address older adult patients’ visual changes with proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment when needed. With presbyopia, for example, the good news is that much can be done to counter its effects. Dr. Pelletier works closely with older adults during this time of visual change to get them the most accurate corrective prescription and the best eyewear solutions for their individual needs. You’re in great hands in our beautiful in-house optical boutique, which boasts the latest in lens technologies and the largest selection of designer frames in Southern Maine. We offer true high-quality “digital” lenses, and single-vision, progressive, and traditional bifocal options.

Dr. Pelletier takes his role as a primary care physician and educator very seriously. As a member of this age group himself, he understands the challenges for maintaining healthy vision firsthand—as a peer and a fellow patient, as well as a doctor.

How Dr. Pelletier goes the extra mile for older adult patients

  • His patients receive extremely thorough eye exams, and the most advanced medical screenings and treatments available on the Seacoast, and in the state of Maine.
  • Older adult patients are educated on ways to compensate for changes to their eyes and vision. This can be as simple as adding more reading light or artificial tears. We also address the patient’s age-specific needs in our optical boutique, to maximize functionality and comfort when correcting vision.
  • The social and emotional issues around near-vision loss for this age group, and the frustration that can result, are acknowledged and discussed as needed.

Why proactive ongoing eyecare matters

This time of life is all about changes for our eyes. Eye doctors have limited treatment options once a diagnosis of visual impairment exists; this makes early detection of potential issues important for maintaining functional vision.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, an optometric examination is recommended:

  • Fluctuating vision
  • Floaters and flashes
  • Loss of side vision
  • Visual distortion of images

In addition, older adults are at additional risk for eye and vision issues, and should be followed closely, if they have any of the following:

  • Chronic, systemic health conditions (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • Medication regimen with potential vision side effects
  • Family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration
  • Visually demanding or eye-hazardous job

Macular degeneration is an growing concern, particularly as the use of digital devices—a key risk factor—increases. At York Family Eyecare, we are proud to be one of the only practices in the area to offer a novel screening and vitamin program that can help prevent macular degeneration and the partial blindness that it can eventually cause. Please ask us about it during your next visit.

Older adult patients will still positively impact their eyesight by choosing a healthy lifestyle. It is important to protect the eyes from exposure to the sun and to electronic devices. This prevents potential vision loss from cumulative, irreversible eye damage. Even other choices, like eating antioxidant-rich foods every day, also help to protect our eyes even at a more advanced age.

Regular eye & vision exams for health

Being followed regularly as an older adult patient is key to protecting one’s eyes for life.

The American Optometric Association recommends eye examinations at least every two years for adult patients from 41 to 60 years.* But this age group’s heavy reliance on computers and electronic devices now puts them at historically unprecedented risk for developing vision issues. Because of this, Dr. Pelletier strongly recommends that all adults have their eyes examined annually. 

It is our honor to be entrusted with your eyecare, and that of your family’s.

*PLEASE NOTE that older adults considered to be at risk for the development of eye and vision problems may need additional testing or more frequent re-evaluation. Don’t hesitate to call us if you require additional guidance regarding your particular needs.