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From Cradle to Golden Years: The Power of Lifelong Eye Care

by | May 1, 2025 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

Haziel Rynjah, M.Optom.

Assistant Professor, University of Sciences and Technology, Ri-Bhoi, India

 

Vision is one of our most valuable senses, shaping how we experience and interact with the world. However, eye health needs evolve from childhood to old age, making specialised optometric care essential at different life stages. Our vision changes throughout life, making paediatric and geriatric optometry essential for maintaining eye health at different stages.(1) Regular eye care is crucial for optimal quality of life, from early childhood development to ageing-related vision issues.

Paediatric Optometry: Early Vision Care for a Bright Future

Children’s vision plays a vital role in their learning and development. Since 80% of learning occurs through vision, undetected eye problems can significantly impact academic performance and social interactions.(2) Common paediatric eye issues include refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which affect a child’s ability to see clearly.(3) Other conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), result in reduced vision due to improper visual development, while strabismus (crossed eyes) causes misalignment, leading to coordination issues.(3,4) Additionally, convergence insufficiency makes it difficult to focus on close objects, affecting reading and concentration.

Early eye exams are essential as they help detect and correct vision issues before they impact learning, prevent long-term complications, and improve hand-eye coordination and overall development. Parents should schedule eye exams at six months, three years, and before starting school.(5) To maintain good vision, limiting screen time to reduce digital eye strain, encouraging outdoor activities to slow down myopia progression, and using protective eyewear for sports and outdoor play are important.(6)

Geriatric Optometry: Maintaining Vision in the Golden Years

Ageing brings natural changes to vision, and regular eye care helps detect and manage age-related conditions that can affect independence and quality of life.(7) Common age-related eye conditions include presbyopia, which leads to difficulty reading small print, and cataracts, where clouding of the lens results in blurry vision and glare sensitivity.(7,8) Glaucoma increases eye pressure, potentially damaging the optic nerve and causing blindness if untreated.(8) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leads to central vision loss, impacting daily activities such as reading and driving, while diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss due to diabetes-related blood vessel damage in the retina.(9)

To protect ageing eyes, it is recommended to get comprehensive eye exams annually, manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, wear UV-protective sunglasses to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E.(10,11)

The Role of Optometrists in Lifelong Eye Care

Optometrists are crucial in diagnosing, treating, and managing vision issues at all life stages. Whether prescribing corrective lenses, offering vision therapy for children, or providing low-vision aids for seniors, optometry ensures optimal eye health and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Vision care is a lifelong journey that requires attention and proactive management. Paediatric and geriatric optometry are essential in safeguarding sight at critical life stages, ensuring children have a strong visual foundation for learning and growth, while helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. By embracing regular eye check-ups and healthy habits, individuals of all ages can preserve their vision for years to come.

 

References:

  1. Ciner, E. B., Brodt-Ciner, Z. N., Graboyes, M., & Appel, S. D. (2023). The Impact of Aging on Healthy Eyes. In A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Aging (pp. 387-406). CRC Press.
  2. Handler, S. M., Fierson, W. M., & Section on Ophthalmology and Council on Children with Disabilities, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and American Association of Certified Orthoptists. (2011). Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision. Pediatrics, 127(3), e818-e856.
  3. Cotter, S. A., Varma, R., Tarczy-Hornoch, K., McKean-Cowdin, R., Lin, J., Wen, G., … & Baltimore Pediatric Eye Disease Study Groups. (2011). Risk factors associated with childhood strabismus: the multi-ethnic pediatric eye disease and Baltimore pediatric eye disease studies. Ophthalmology, 118(11), 2251-2261.
  4. Hutchinson, A. K., Morse, C. L., Hercinovic, A., Cruz, O. A., Sprunger, D. T., Repka, M. X., … & Wallace, D. K. (2022). Pediatric eye evaluations preferred practice pattern. Ophthalmology, 130(3), P222.
  5. Jones, D. A., Chiarelli, C. A., Robinson, B. E., & MacDonald, K. E. (2012). Eye See Eye Learn The Benefit of Comprehensive Eye Examinations for Preschoolers. Canadian Journal of Optometry, 74(1), 22-22.
  6. Kaur, K., Gurnani, B., Nayak, S., Deori, N., Kaur, S., Jethani, J., … & Mishra, D. (2022). Digital eye strain-a comprehensive review. Ophthalmology and therapy, 11(5), 1655-1680.
  7. Burton, A. E., Gibson, J. M., & Shaw, R. L. (2016). How do older people with sight loss manage their general health? A qualitative study. Disability and rehabilitation, 38(23), 2277-2285.
  8. Guedes, G., C Tsai, J., & A Loewen, N. (2011). Glaucoma and aging. Current aging science, 4(2), 110-117.
  9. Falkenstein, M., Karthaus, M., & Brüne-Cohrs, U. (2020). Age-related diseases and driving safety. Geriatrics, 5(4), 80.
  10. Alebrahim, M. A., Bakkar, M. M., Al Darayseh, A., Msameh, A., Jarrar, D., Aljabari, S., & Khater, W. (2022, November). Awareness and knowledge of the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the eyes and the relevant protective practices: a cross-sectional study from Jordan. In Healthcare (Vol. 10, No. 12, p. 2414). MDPI.
  11. McCusker, M. M., Durrani, K., Payette, M. J., & Suchecki, J. (2016). An eye on nutrition: The role of vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants in age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and cataract. Clinics in dermatology, 34(2), 276-285.

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