Keep in mind that in addition to physical limitations, cataracts can result in emotional stress as well. Be sensitive to the challenges that come with vision loss and encourage your loved one to discuss their frustrations with a physician who can offer a plan for treatment. Additionally, cataract support groups can offer a helpful support network for patients and caregivers learning to manage changes in vision.
While any changes in vision can be frightening, routine eye care, proven intervention methods, and surgical measures can lead to restored quality of life for seniors suffering from this common eye disease. Though cataracts may be common among older seniors, there are many options to help your loved one avoid living with their debilitating consequences.
My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in Starting as an Activities Director at one of our-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. Wondering whether your aging loved one might be suffering from cataracts? Cloudy or blurred vision is a common symptom.
Additionally, seeing faded colors, glare, poor night vision, double vision, and frequent prescription changes to lens wear can indicate cataracts or an alternate eye problem. The NEI recommends that seniors over the age of 60 have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. This may include a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and tonometry, in addition to any other tests deemed necessary by an eye care professional.
While conducting the exam the physician will look for signs and symptoms of other diseases and disorders of the eye, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment offer optimal outcomes when preserving sight and quality of life. Treatments For Cataracts In their earliest states, cataracts are treatable through a variety of non-invasive measures, including everything from brighter lighting and anti-glare sunglasses to magnifying lenses and new prescriptions.
If these treatments are ineffective, however, cataract surgery may be in order. Congenital cataracts. Some babies are born with cataracts. Some children develop them in childhood, often in both eyes.
Some congenital cataracts do not affect eyesight, but others do and need to be removed. Secondary cataracts. Secondary cataracts usually happen because of another disease in the body such as diabetes. Secondary cataracts have also been linked to steroid use.
Traumatic cataracts. An injury to one or both eyes may cause you to develop a traumatic cataract. This can happen either right after the accident or several years later. Although experts don't know for sure what causes cataracts, they think there could be several possible causes including:.
For many of the possible causes, more research is needed to set apart the effect of the disease from the effect of the medicines. Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old.
Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts. Too much sun exposure. People who spend more time in the sun may develop cataracts sooner than others. The following are the most common symptoms of cataracts. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:. Often in the disease's early stages, you may not notice any changes in your vision.
Since cataracts tend to grow slowly, your eyesight will get worse slowly. For starters, older adults should see their eye care professional once a year.
These visits will help identify signs of cataracts as well as other eye diseases. Other helpful measures include incorporating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables , and avoiding smoking and drinking.
Patients often only need minimal sedation, which allows those in their 80s and 90s to undergo the operation. Recovery from the surgery is also less demanding than that of other procedures.
By and large, patients will need to refrain from rubbing their eye s and lifting heavy objects, for up to three weeks. Despite the success rate, it should be noted that no surgical procedure is ever without risk. Seniors should talk to their eye surgeon and other medical care professionals before agreeing to cataract surgery.
0コメント