What Eye Treatment Is Recommended for a 67-Year-Old Woman?

Dear Chandrakanta jain ji,

We understand your concern about your mother’s eye health. At 67 years of age, problems such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal conditions, dry eyes or changes in vision can occur, but the treatment depends on the exact eye problem. The first step should be a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

What Eye Check-Up Should She Have?

The eye doctor check :

• Vision in both eyes

• Eye pressure for glaucoma

• Cataract or clouding of the eye lens

• Retina and optic nerve

• Eye movement and other eye conditions

• Blood sugar and blood pressure history, if relevant

• OCT, eye ultrasound, visual field test or other scans if required

Not every patient needs all these tests. The doctor will decide based on her symptoms and examination.

If She Has Cataract

If the doctor confirms a cataract and it is affecting her daily activities or vision, cataract surgery may be advised. Cataract surgery is included in the AB-PMJAY treatment guidelines, and the PM-JAY package list includes cataract procedures.

If She Has Glaucoma or Retina Problem

PM-JAY also has listed ophthalmology packages for certain glaucoma procedures, including trabeculectomy and glaucoma shunt surgery.

Retina treatment depends on the exact diagnosis and applicable package. So, the hospital should confirm the specific procedure before treatment.

Can Her Eye Treatment Be Done Through Ayushman Card?

Her age of 67 by itself does not give her the separate universal senior-citizen PM-JAY benefit. The special AB-PMJAY expansion is for people aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.

However, a 67-year-old may still be eligible under the regular PM-JAY/state eligibility rules. If she is eligible and the hospital is actively empanelled for the required ophthalmology package, covered treatment can be provided cashlessly.

Routine outpatient care is generally excluded from PM-JAY, so simply visiting an eye doctor for a routine check-up should not be assumed to be free.

What Documents Should You Carry?

Take these documents to the hospital :

• Ayushman Card, if she has one

• Aadhaar Card

• Previous eye reports

• Previous glasses prescription

• Eye scan/OCT/ultrasound reports, if available

• Doctor's prescription or referral

• Blood sugar and BP reports, if available

• Previous hospital or surgery records

• Current medicines

• Mobile phone for verification, if required

When Should She See an Eye Doctor Urgently?

Do not delay if she has sudden loss of vision, sudden severe eye pain, sudden flashes or many new floaters, a curtain/shadow over the vision, severe redness with vision loss, or an eye injury.

If you tell us her main problem for example, cataract, blurred vision, glaucoma, retina problem, eye pain, or low vision We can explain the likely treatment, tests, precautions and Ayushman coverage in simple language.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth