If you have a senior parent or loved one who lives alone and is receiving elder care, you’ll understand and appreciate the importance of maintaining good vision and proper eye health so that they can retain some independence at home for as long as possible.
Approximately one in three people will experience some form of vision loss or vision-reducing eye disease by the time they reach the age of 65, so vision loss is a major health concern for the elderly.
Being aware of the warning signs of age-related eye problems that could cause vision loss is important, because many eye diseases have no early symptoms. Issues can develop into an advanced state painlessly, and some people don’t notice the changes until problems are at that point.
Common types of vision issues in seniors:
Cataracts: These cloudy or opaque areas that appear in the lens of the eye and can interfere with vision are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataracts are common in the elderly, but due to the fact that in the United States, surgical interventions are readily available, safe, and effective, the potential for blindness is reduced. The rate of developing cataracts over the age of 75 is at 5o%.
Macular Degeneration: This age-related eye disease is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 65, which affects the macula, the center of the retina at the back of the eye, and can cause central vision loss. Your senior in elder care may complain of difficulty reading or driving, blurred vision, or begin to require aids to see better on a daily basis, such as a magnifying glass. In seniors with macular degeneration, peripheral vision usually remains unaffected.
Glaucoma: This is referred to as a series of eye diseases each characterized by damage to the optic nerve which results in loss of peripheral vision, usually affecting both eyes with typically one eye before the other. In many cases it is painless and there are no obvious signs or symptoms until it is in an advanced state with vision loss present. People with glaucoma in their families are more likely develop the disease, which if left untreated can cause total blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the leading cause of new blindness in middle-aged Americans, occurring in people with diabetes and leading to a significance of morbidity in the elderly population. It is a result of ongoing damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina, which swells when the vessels leak blood and other fluids and then causes clouded vision, usually in both eyes. Uncontrolled glucose measurements can impact the severity of the condition, and the longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. In its most severe impact, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Making good elder care lifestyle choices in combination with scheduling regular eye exams can go a long way in improving your senior’s chances for developing serious issues with their vision. Schedule an appointment with a vision care professional for your senior in elder care as soon as possible if you notice any changes or new complaints of eye issues.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Anderson,SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca,Laurens,Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Source:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0701/p99.html
https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age
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