Senior Eye Exams in Mandan, ND

Your golden years should be filled with clear, comfortable vision that allows you to enjoy every precious moment with family, pursue hobbies you love, and maintain your independence. Yet many seniors in Mandan accept declining vision as an inevitable part of aging, unaware that regular comprehensive eye exams can detect, treat, and often prevent serious eye conditions before they impact their quality of life.

At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced team of optometrists understands the unique eye care needs of seniors and provides thorough examinations designed to protect your vision for years to come. With over 70 years of serving the Mandan and Bismarck communities, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate care to help you sustain optimal eye health throughout your retirement years.

Why Senior Eye Exams Are Essential

As you age, your risk for developing serious eye conditions increases significantly. Many age-related eye diseases develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms in their initial stages, making regular comprehensive eye exams your first line of defense against vision loss.

During a senior eye exam, our doctors thoroughly evaluate your eyes for common age-related conditions, including:

• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy

According to research from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about one in four older adults (27%) have been diagnosed with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease. Early detection of these conditions allows us to provide treatment that can slow progression and preserve your vision. For instance, glaucoma often shows no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, but regular eye exams can detect increased eye pressure and optic nerve changes before damage becomes irreversible.

Beyond disease detection, senior eye exams also address changes in your vision prescription. Many seniors experience presbyopia, which makes reading and close-up tasks more challenging. Our doctors can recommend suitable vision correction options, ranging from progressive lenses to bifocals, to help you maintain clear vision at all distances.

Common Eye Conditions in Seniors

Several eye conditions become more prevalent with age. Cataracts affect nearly all seniors to some degree, causing cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing at night. While cataracts cannot be prevented, we monitor their progression and refer you to trusted surgeons when cataract surgery becomes necessary.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and can substantially impact your ability to read, drive, and recognize faces. Our doctors, particularly Dr. Brittany Schauer, who has advanced training in managing macular degeneration, provide comprehensive AMD care and can recommend specialized treatments and low-vision aids when appropriate.

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” destroys the optic nerve and typically occurs without noticeable symptoms. Routine eye exams give us the chance to track your eye pressure and optic nerve health. This allows us to implement treatment strategies that prevent vision loss from glaucoma progression.

Taking Care of Your Vision Between Exams

Maintaining good eye health between your regular exams involves several essential practices. Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing quality sunglasses year-round, especially in North Dakota, where snow reflection can increase UV exposure. Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to provide essential nutrients for maintaining eye health.

If you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control significantly reduces your risk for diabetic eye complications. Take all medications as prescribed and work closely with your primary care physician to control your overall health, as many systemic conditions can affect your eyes.
Stay vigilant for sudden changes in your vision, including flashing lights, floating spots, sudden vision loss, or severe eye pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact our office immediately. At Vision Source Mandan, we provide emergency eye care services because prompt treatment can often prevent permanent vision loss.