Around one-third of all adults over the age of 65 have at least one eye disease that will reduce vision over time. With any of these eye diseases, caregivers become important at helping manage the eye condition. Here are the reasons why these diseases should be paired with regular visits from caregivers.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Within the retina is an area called the macula. This area is responsible for a person’s central vision. For some older adults, the macula starts to break down. The disease is most common in people with a family history of the disease or who smoke or have high blood pressure. Common symptoms are difficulty reading, blurry vision, and distorted images.
If diagnosed, a healthy diet is important. Foods that are high in carotenoids are often advised as they serve as antioxidants for the eyes. Management of blood pressure and cessation of smoking are important.
Caregivers can help with the diet by taking your parent shopping for the right foods and preparing meals that include those foods. They can schedule yearly eye exams and doctor’s check-ups. They can also make sure your mom or dad takes blood pressure medications each day.
Cataracts
With cataracts, a cloudy film grows over the lens that causes blurry vision, glare, and gradual loss of vision. Some people find the vision loss happens more quickly. However, cataract surgery, a common outpatient procedure, can restore vision.
If your parent has cataracts, it’s not advised to drive at night or when lighting is dim during a stormy day. Transportation to eye appointments and doctor’s appointments is easier to manage if you hire caregivers. Caregivers can also stay with your mom or dad after cataract surgery and watch for rare complications like infection or bleeding.
Diabetic Retinopathy
With a growing number of diabetes cases in the U.S., it’s not surprising that diabetic retinopathy is becoming a leading cause of blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by blood vessel damage in the tissue within the retina. There may be no symptoms at first, but that may change over time and cause blindness if blood sugar levels are not properly managed.
Caregivers can help your mom or dad schedule yearly eye exams and medical check-ups. They can remind your parent to check blood sugar levels and take any necessary medications at the proper time.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by high fluid pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve. Over time, the damage can lead to vision loss. Open-angle is the most common, but there are other types of glaucoma. Family history, age, high blood pressure, and diabetes increase one’s risk of developing this disease.
Around 3 out of 4 older adults who are blind are blind because of glaucoma. To maintain vision, it’s important to diagnose glaucoma early. Yearly eye exams are important, and caregivers can help arrange them. They can also make sure your parent uses eye drops or take medications an eye doctor prescribes.
Sources:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0701/p99.html
If you or an aging loved-one is considering caregivers in Modesto, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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