Aging causes seniors to experience many changes, including damage to the eyes. Some of these changes are a natural part of getting older, but others are more serious and may be preventable. Here’s a list of some of the most common age-related eye diseases, their warning signs, and ways your senior loved one can lower the risk of developing them.
Macular Degeneration
If your loved one begins having difficulty reading, driving, or performing simple daily functions that require central vision, this eye disease may be the cause. Macular degeneration affects central vision in a dramatic way, though it doesn’t lead to complete blindness. Treatment for macular degeneration includes laser surgery, low vision optical devices, and anti-angiogenic drugs. To prevent macular degeneration, your loved one should:
- Exercise regularly
- Schedule routine eye exams
- Stop smoking
Diabetic Retinopathy
This common eye disease develops due to complications from diabetes. The retina experiences abnormal changes, such as leakiness or the growth of blood vessels where they shouldn’t be. The top warning signs associated with diabetic retinopathy include partial loss of vision, pain in one eye, blurred or distorted vision, and seeing shadows or dark objects that float across the field of vision. Laser surgery is often used to treat this disease.
To prevent diabetic retinopathy, your loved one needs to control his or her blood pressure and blood sugar levels, stop smoking, exercise regularly, avoid hazardous activities, and schedule regular eye exams with a specialist.
Seniors with vision impairment may need assistance to be able to continue living at home. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional in-home care Frederick, MD, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated professional caregiver.
Cataracts
When protein in the eye clumps together, it forms a cloud that covers a small area of the eye’s lens. This cloudy mass is known as a cataract. Over time, cataracts can grow, making it more difficult to see. The top warning signs of this eye disease are double vision in one eye, cloudy or fuzzy vision, and seeing a glare when looking at a lamp or the sun. Surgery is the only treatment available for cataracts, but your loved one can prevent this eye disease by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Scheduling regular eye exams
- Wearing sunglasses
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables
- Managing health complications like diabetes
If your loved one is living with vision loss and needs assistance with daily tasks, 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 at-home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Glaucoma
If your loved one begins to notice complications with side vision, it may be a sign of glaucoma. This disease damages the eye’s optic nerve, resulting in the loss of vision. Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness among seniors. Even though age and genetics are the two most common causes of this disease, your loved one can reduce his or risk by avoiding steroid medications, wearing eye protection, seeking regular eye care, and taking prescribed eye drops regularly.
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 manage if their families opt for professional homecare services. Frederick families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today at (301) 786-5045.