As people age, their eyesight usually changes, leading to several problems and significantly impacting their quality of life. Conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are just a few issues seniors might face. However, there are ways to help seniors get the care and support they need to deal with their vision problems. Seniors can thrive with the support of their loved ones and the in-home care team.
Continue reading to learn more about common vision issues seniors face.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is when the eye can’t focus on close things because the lens gets stiffer over time. This disease is more common as people age and can make reading, sewing, or using their phones hard. This condition is frustrating, but seniors might gain the relief they need by wearing corrective eyeglasses or undergoing refractive surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts happen when the eye’s natural lens gets cloudy, which makes vision blurry, increases sensitivity to light, and worsens night vision. Not only that, but cataracts can make it hard to do everyday things. Luckily, in most instances, cataracts can be addressed with prescriptive glasses or surgery. The process is simple, but seniors will need assistance during recovery. Loved ones and home care can provide the aftercare treatment they need.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a chronic eye disease that affects the central part of the retina and makes it hard to see in the center of your field of vision. This can make it hard to recognize people’s faces, read, and do other things that need clear vision. Like the other conditions listed, this limited vision can frustrate seniors and make it hard to perform certain activities. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for AMD, but visual aids can assist seniors, as well as assistance from a home care aide.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and make it hard to see out of the corner of the eye. It often doesn’t show any signs in its early stages, but if it isn’t addressed when diagnosed, it can cause permanent vision loss. The best way to stay on top of glaucoma is to visit the eye doctor regularly.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in the eye and can lead to vision loss. Keeping an eye on seniors’ blood sugar levels is the most essential thing home care and loved ones can do to stop or slow the development of this condition.
Getting Seniors the Care They Need Including In-Home Care
Seniors should be encouraged to get their eyes checked by an optician or ophthalmologist regularly. These tests can find early signs of vision problems so they can be fixed right away. They should also have a basic knowledge of how to care for their eyes, such as avoiding UV rays, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.
Seniors can use aids like magnifying glasses, large-print books, and screen-reading software to make daily chores easier, as well as use in-home care and loved ones’ support when needed. Helping seniors with their vision issues means helping them keep their freedom and quality of life for as long as possible.
Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8567-common-age-related-eye-problems
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353795
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/diagnosis-treatment
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Humboldt TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (731) 300-2300
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Jackson, Humboldt, Medina, Milan, Trenton, Brownsville, Madison County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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