Poor sight isolates older people

"Depression and isolation are just some of the things that can be caused as a result of elderly people suffering sight problems, experts have claimed. The situation could be made worse by the fact that many older people are missing out on routine eye tests, the Sight after Sixty report reveals.One third of over-60s who missed out on eye checks said that their vision problems made them feel depressed, isolated and vulnerable.As many as 96 per cent of over-60s need sight correction measures, yet more than four million pensioners in the UK miss eye tests every year, with many blaming costs.However routine eye checks are free for pensioners and people on low incomes can often get discounted glasses.A quarter of senior citizens said sight problems disrupted their daily life and more than half have trouble reading.Iain Anderson, chairman of the Eyecare Trust commented: 'Good vision is so often a key factor in the elderly maintaining their dignity and independence. A simple eye examination could help improve the quality of life of millions of pensioners. It's unforgivable that elderly people are left feeling depressed and vulnerable by the quality of their vision when sight loss in older people is very often avoidable.'He added: 'Poor vision is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Almost a third of all visual impairment in people aged over 75 is solely due to wearing the wrong glasses or no glasses at all."Regular eye examinations are also vital to ensure the early detection of a range of age-related eye conditions that can often be easily managed. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, a new prescription and low vision aids are all simple ways in which you can help maintain and preserve your vision."