Seniors ages 65 and older are covered by Alberta Health Care for up to two (2) comprehensive eye exams yearly. This is dependant on the doctor’s recommendation.

Senior eye exams are important to ensure that ocular conditions related to aging are managed routinely and properly.

An annual eyeglass prescription can help to ensure safe mobility and freedom of travel.

Eye conditions related to aging include

  • Age-related Cataracts – a natural clouding of the lens, or “window,” of our eyes. Cataracts in this category are often related to age and UV exposure

  • Age-related macular degeneration – a degeneration of the part of the eye responsible for absorbing harmful UV light. If not managed, this condition can lead to blindness.

Comprehensive eye exams for seniors include

  • Dilated eye evaluation
  • Eyeglass prescription
  • Eye health evaluation

  • Glaucoma screening

Dilated Fundus exam

What is it?

The dilated fundus exam involves the use of medicated eye drops to enlarge the pupil. This will improve our doctor’s ability to examine the internal structures in order to evaluate the eye for signs of disease, degenerations, and/or abnormalities.

This includes: cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, disease of the optic nerve, retinal disease, floaters, traumatic eye injuries, and numerous other eye conditions.

The Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends that all patients, especially adults over the age of 19, receive a dilated eye exam once every 2 years unless indicated sooner by the doctor. In addition, comprehensive, routine eye health evaluations with a new eyeglass prescription are recommended annually.

What to expect

Side-effects includes sensitivity to light and difficulty focusing on objects up close and usually lasts 2 to 6 hours. Distance vision is usually minimally affected, and although it may be possible to drive safely after dilation, it is recommended that you have a family or friend provide transportation. Sunglasses are strongly recommended to help with light sensitivity. We provide complimentary sunglasses to patients who have a dilated eye exam.

 

The doctor will let you know when a dilated eye exam is indicated. This part of the exam may or may not be covered by Alberta Health Care.

 

Please give us a call for more information.  

Examples of systemic conditions that may be detected on a routine eye examination includes:

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Impending stroke and heart attack
  • Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and brain tumors
  • Autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome

Various eye-related emergencies can be treated or diagnosed by an optometrist. These visits are covered by Alberta Health Care.

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