Adult Vision Screening

Screening for High-Risk Adults, Especially the Elderly

We serve 6000 adults and seniors annually through screenings and education.

The elderly are at the highest risk for glaucoma, diabetic-related eye diseases, and macular degeneration. All of these require early diagnosis, a comprehensive eye exam at least annually, and continuous treatment to stop or slow visual deterioration.

We serve the underinsured elderly who have no other resources to obtain treatment. Saving Sight Rhode Island continues to target elderly housing facilities, meal sites, and elderly day care centers to increase the numbers of low to moderate income elderly we serve. According to the R.I. Department of Elderly Affairs, this population is growing rapidly and increasing yearly.

Knowledge and education on prevention, available treatments, and resources for eye disorders can greatly impact the lives of all adults, not just the elderly. The entire adult population needs to be aware of good eye health before diagnosis of problems and while in treatment for eye diseases that can rob them of their sight.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the “sneak thief of sight,” is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. If it is allowed to run its course untreated, it will cause blindness!

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and, in the early stages, results in loss of peripheral vision. In individuals who have an abnormality or blockage of the eye’s drainage canal for intraocular fluid, the intraocular pressure may become elevated. The more elevated the intraocular pressure, the greater the risk of developing nerve damage. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment reduces further damage to the nerve cells and saves the vision of many who would otherwise experience serious vision loss.

Macular Degeneration

Once every minute in the U.S, a new case of macular degeneration is diagnosed.

Macular degeneration is a very poorly understood group of diseases that cause sight-sensing cells in the macular zone of the retina to malfunction or lose function. The result is debilitating loss of vital central or detail vision. Eventually, macular degeneration can cause blindness. Early detection and intervention greatly reduces the risk of blindness. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, treatment can slow the progression of this disease and save the vision of many who would otherwise experience serious vision loss.

Diabetes related Vision Disorders

Because the blood vessels in the eyes are the most fragile in the body, the eyes are usually the first organs affected by diabetes. Diabetics are at extremely high risk for many eye diseases and disorders that can cause visual impairment and blindness

Diabetic Retinopathy

The most serious diabetes-related eye problem is diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease affecting the blood vessels in the retina. Small blood vessels nourishing the retina weaken and break down or become blocked. Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of vision impairment and blindness.

Premature Presbyopia

Premature Presbyopia refers to changes in nearsightedness and farsightedness that occur earlier than usual in a person’s life. One symptom is the inability to focus on close objects.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause almost half of all blindness worldwide.

Diabetics develop cataracts approximately ten years earlier than non-diabetics. A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks light passing through the lens to the retina at the back of the eye. Close monitoring and eventual surgery are the usual methods by which cataracts are treated and cured.

Early Detection and Treatment of Diabetes-Related Eye Disorders Early detection of diabetes-related vision disorders and diseases can reduce the risk of permanent vision loss by 50%. Treatment can slow the progression of these diseases and save the vision of many who would otherwise experience serious vision loss.