Studies show that over half of elderly Americans struggle with one of the most common eye diseases—cataracts. Because the disease develops slowly, it can take a while for aging adults to notice that anything is wrong. Family caregivers should pay attention to the signs and symptoms of cataracts in their aging loved ones, then schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.
Understanding Cataracts and their Symptoms
The lens of the eye is usually clear, but over time it can become cloudy, obscuring vision and making it hard for aging adults to function in their daily life. The early symptoms are often misinterpreted as the normal signs of aging vision and most people don’t seek out a doctor. However, when the symptoms become so intrusive that they prevent aging adults from living independently, cataracts are a real problem.
Common symptoms of cataracts include sensitivity to glare, poor night vision, blurred vision, light halos, dulled colors, double vision and rapidly changing prescriptions for glasses. A doctor may be able to identify the development of cataracts in the early stages via regular eye exams. If elderly adults don’t get regular checkups, then the condition can go on for a long time without a diagnosis.
Treating Cataracts in Seniors
Cataracts can make living independently quite difficult for elderly adults, as it can prevent them from doing all kinds of things like reading, watching television, identifying faces, reading facial expressions, driving, cooking and housekeeping. Many seniors with such poor vision must rely on family caregivers and homecare providers to assist them in daily tasks. Homecare providers are professionals that assist seniors in their own home when health issues prevent them from staying safe, healthy and comfortable.
When cataracts are treated early enough, doctors can slow down the progression with special lenses, medication and certain lifestyle changes, such as no smoking. However, the eye disease reaches a point where the loss of vision impacts their daily life and there are few options left. It’s at this point where elderly adults may need surgery to take care of the problem. This safe and commonplace surgery puts a clear, artificial lens into the eye after removing the damaged one. The majority of patients with cataract surgery recover completely and enjoy greatly improved vision.
Family caregivers need to know how impactful cataracts are to their elderly loved ones by learning more about the symptoms and treatments. While their aging relative deals with cataracts, family caregivers need to step in and help, including hiring homecare providers to give in-home care. Working with an eye doctor, seniors can develop a treatment plan that helps them retain good vision as long as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Homecare Services in Floral Park NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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