They need your help. Aging eyes need care. Presbyopia, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are all vision problems related to aging that require professional screening and treatment. According to Vision Council of America (VCA), regular eye exams are as important over age 60 as they are before age six.

Prevent Blindness America reports that age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of visual impairment among Americans over age 65. By age 75, states the National Advisory Eye Council, more than a third of the population suffers from macular degeneration. And even earlier than that - by age 40 - 15 percent of Americans show signs of the disease.

Additional statistics from VCA's Check Yearly, See Clearly campaign notes that...
• Within the past 10 years, the prevalence of eye disease in seniors increased approximately 45%
• Older drivers with vision impairment are 200% more likely to be involved in an auto accident.

To attract older patients to your office, it pays to make the environment as comfortable and inviting as possible. Provide ample off-street parking. Furnish the office and dispensary with comfortable seating that offers support while sitting and is easy to get in and out of. Install good lighting. And make sure everyone on the staff knows about the features and benefits of products that can help older customers.

1. Ultraviolet protection should be a given. According to the Sunglass Association of America, research suggests an association between cataracts and daily exposure to UVB in very bright sunlight over a period of years. While there are no documented disorders of the human eye from UVA, it remains a studied and debated topic. To play it safe, protection from both UVA and UVB is highly recommended.

2. Sunglasses can fill the bill with UV protection and offer protection from glare as well. Clip-ons are a popular choice for economic reasons, but can add to the weight of the eyewear. For that reason, separate prescription sunwear is often a better choice. Polarized lenses can offer the best anti-glare protection.

3. Photochromic lenses, which many older customers remember from glass and earlier plastic versions, have come a long way. Today plastic photochromics become virtually clear indoors and at night and are lightweight and convenient to wear both indoors and out.

4 . Anti-reflective coating is helpful for people of all ages, but becomes even more beneficial as people age and develop sensitivity to the glare of night driving. One of its key benefits is to increase the amount of light entering the wearer's eyes. Tinted lenses are not recommended for night driving.

5. Progressive lenses are a boon to presbyopes - whether emerging or advanced.   With a clear explanation about their advantages, many mature customers - even long-time bifocal or trifocal wearers - adjust well to progressives.

6 . Lightweight frames and lenses are the most comfortable choice for older eyeglass wearers. Luckily, patients today have wonderful options to keep weight to a minimum. High index, polycarbonate and Trivex lenses...titanium, magnesium and other lightweight frame materials...and small frame sizes all make a noticeable difference.

7. Extra pairs come in handy. They can be special computer glasses, reading glasses that are comfortable for reading in bed or for close work, custom lenses for the golf course or hobbies, prescription swim or ski go ggles, backup versions of patients' everyday glasses, or dressier or sportier frames to round out their wardrobe.