As we grow older, we’re no strangers to physical changes. From slowed reflexes to diminished strength, our bodies naturally age. However, one area that often catches seniors off guard is vision health. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a behavioral optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky, our visual systems age just like the rest of our bodies. For many, these changes can make everyday tasks more challenging, but there’s good news—vision therapy can help.
Why Aging Affects Our Vision
One common change in older adults is reduced light intake. By age 60, our eyes receive roughly 30% less light than they did in our youth. This explains why many seniors avoid driving at night; the lack of light can impact depth perception, spatial awareness, and reaction time.
Beyond light sensitivity, seniors may face visual changes related to common procedures or medical conditions, such as:
- Cataract Surgery: Nearly everyone will develop cataracts as they age. This condition causes the lens of the eye to become opaque, leading to blurred vision. Fortunately, cataract surgery, which replaces the clouded lens with a clear artificial one, is a common and effective procedure. However, post-surgery, the brain may struggle to process the new visual input. This can lead to problems with eye alignment and close-up tasks, like reading.
- Retinal Surgery: Similar to cataract surgery, retinal surgery can improve vision but may also disrupt how our eyes track and process information. Patients often experience symptoms like blurred or double vision, which can be corrected with targeted therapy.
- Strokes and Brain Injuries: Approximately nine out of ten individuals who have suffered a stroke or brain injury experience changes in their visual systems. These can affect eye alignment, spatial awareness, and balance, all of which are crucial for everyday activities.
The Benefits of Vision Therapy for Seniors
Dr. Graebe emphasizes that vision therapy is not just for children—it benefits seniors too. Vision therapy, a form of physical therapy for the eyes, brain, and body, helps retrain the brain to work with the eyes effectively. This therapy can address several common issues in seniors, including:
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Often associated with children, amblyopia can affect adults too. Vision therapy helps by encouraging the brain to use both eyes together, improving focus and depth perception.
- Convergence Deficiency: This occurs when the eyes struggle to work together for close-up tasks, such as reading. With exercises designed to enhance eye alignment, patients regain comfort in performing these tasks.
- Post-Surgical Adjustment: Whether after cataract or retinal surgery, vision therapy aids in helping the brain adapt to new visual input. This adjustment allows patients to restore their ability to read, use computers, and enjoy other detailed activities.
For example, Dr. Graebe recently treated a patient from Lexington who had undergone cataract surgery. Though the procedure restored her vision clarity, she struggled with close-up tasks. Through a customized vision therapy plan, she regained the ability to read comfortably and engage in her favorite hobby—quilting.
Restoring Confidence and Independence Through Vision Therapy
Vision therapy empowers seniors to take charge of their visual health and reclaim their independence. Dr. Graebe explains that this type of therapy involves non-academic, engaging activities that feel more like fun games than medical treatments. Seniors who undergo vision therapy at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute may find themselves doing similar exercises as young children, fostering an environment where patients of all ages benefit from the same foundational skills.
If you’re in the greater Lexington area or Southern Kentucky, and you’ve experienced changes in your vision, vision therapy could be the solution to improve your quality of life. The Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles and Somerset specializes in helping patients overcome vision challenges at any age.
Schedule Your Vision Therapy Consultation Today
Whether you’ve recently had surgery, experienced a stroke, or simply want to enhance your visual health, vision therapy offers valuable benefits for seniors. Don’t let changes in your vision limit your lifestyle. Contact Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute to learn more about how vision therapy can help you or a loved one.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at 859-879-0089.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.