All body systems undergo changes secondary to the aging process, and the eyes are no exception. The California Optometric Association recommends seniors take preventive measures by eating a healthy diet that includes fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc. There are many types of visual impairment disorders that affect seniors, and some of these conditions are preventable. Becoming familiar with the symptoms enables older adults to seek treatment early in an attempt to prevent or reduce vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness in older adults. Statistics indicate the anomaly affects more than 24 million seniors. Seniors may initially notice their vision becomes blurry when trying to focus on people or objects at a distance. Eventually, close-up vision also becomes blurry or hazy. Older adults also notice they have more difficulty seeing at night, an increased sensitivity to glare, and a reduced ability to distinguish colors. During the early stages, prescription eyeglasses can enhance vision. However, in time, corrective surgery is required.
Seniors with impaired vision may need assistance to be able to continue living safely at home. For many seniors in Huntsville, AL, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Glaucoma
At some point, older adults may notice their peripheral vision diminish. The problem lies in damage that occurs in the optic nerve secondary to increased internal pressure. While the condition cannot be reversed, prescription eye drops can slow its progression.
If your loved one is living with vision loss and needs assistance with daily tasks, compassionate help is available. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Huntsville families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is another leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Symptoms involve a gradual loss of clear vision. Colors, objects, and shapes often appear distorted. The center field of vision darkens. The condition isn’t curable, but taking recommended supplements, increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake, and giving up tobacco products have been shown to slow the progression.
Retinal Detachment
From time to time, seniors may notice threads or spots floating in their visual fields. In most instances, the presence of floaters is normal. However, if the level of debris increases or seniors notice flashes of light or experience vision loss, they must consult with optometrists as soon as possible for evaluation. Mild cases may heal on their own without medical intervention. However, if an examination reveals the issue is more severe, prescription medications or laser surgery will be needed to prevent permanent vision loss.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your parent needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940.