March is National Save Your Vision Month, and now is a great time to make sure that your mom or dad, who is living alone at home, is doing what they can to protect their vision. Seniors are prone to low vision as they older because of age-related eye conditions and vision loss. But that doesn’t mean your mom or dad can’t live comfortably and safely at home.
If your mom or dad is struggling with low vision or if they have been diagnosed with an eye condition, home care providers can help them be safe at home. With home care, your mom or dad will have help with daily chores, medication reminders, and getting to medical appointments so they don’t have to struggle.
If your mom or dad hasn’t been diagnosed with an eye condition, but it’s been over a year since they had a vision screening, you should make an appointment for them to have their eyes checked.
Seniors are very prone to age-related eye conditions that affect their vision like:
Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems in older adults. They occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, and sensitivity to light.
Over time, the cloudiness can get worse, making it feel like you’re looking through a foggy window. Luckily, cataracts can often be treated with surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which sends messages from the eye to the brain. It is often caused by high pressure in the eye. At first, glaucoma has no symptoms, but over time, it can cause permanent vision loss. Your mom or dad should be tested yearly for glaucoma because there are no symptoms in the early stages, but catching it early can make a difference in the treatment of this condition.
The most common type, called open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly. Since vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early detection is very important. Doctors can prescribe eye drops, medication, or surgery to help lower eye pressure and prevent further damage.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. This condition makes it difficult for your mom or dad to see details, such as faces or words on a page.
Seniors with AMD may notice blurry or dark spots in the center of their vision. AMD does not cause total blindness but can make daily tasks like reading and driving very difficult. Home care providers can be a big help if your mom or dad is diagnosed with AMD.
There is no cure, but treatments like special vitamins, laser therapy, or injections can slow its progression.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can make the eyes feel dry, itchy, and irritated.
Seniors are more likely to develop dry eyes because tear production naturally decreases with age. Wind, air conditioning, and staring at screens for too long can make it worse. Using artificial tears, drinking plenty of water, and using a humidifier can help relieve dry eyes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Hales Corners, WI, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (414) 206-2090
At Talem Home Care of Milwaukee, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Brookfield, Cudahy, Delafield, Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis and surrounding areas in Wisconsin.
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