Enhancing Elderly Care with Optical Science: Current Technologies and Future Prospects

Abstract

The rapid advancements in optical science have significantly improved elderly care, particularly in vision correction, biometric monitoring, and early disease detection. Technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), smart glasses, adaptive lenses, and laser-based diagnostic tools are revolutionizing elderly healthcare by enhancing vision and facilitating non-invasive health tracking. Smart eyewear, including AI-powered devices, enables improved navigation, remote assistance, and real-time health monitoring. Additionally, biometric optical systems aid in detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite these innovations, challenges remain regarding accessibility, affordability, user adoption, and ethical considerations, particularly data security and privacy. Future research aims to enhance the usability, accuracy, and integration of these technologies within healthcare systems while addressing the psychosocial factors that affect elderly users’ acceptance. The integration of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and personalized optical solutions will further expand the potential of optical technologies in elderly care. Ensuring affordability and widespread accessibility through cost-effective production and AI-driven diagnostics will be critical in making these innovations more inclusive. By overcoming existing limitations, optical science can play a transformative role in enhancing the quality of life for aging populations, fostering independence, and improving healthcare outcomes.