There are numerous vision issues that senior citizens face. One of the common issues is cataracts. Is this something that you have been worrying about with your elderly loved one? If so, there are some things that you may want or need to know about cataracts in senior citizens. Once you know more about this health condition, you can do better at helping your elderly loved one to get treatment for it if they have it or prevent it if they don’t have it yet.
Getting Regular Eye Exams
All elderly people should get regular eye exams. With so many vision issues that often present themselves in the elderly, it is important that each senior citizen is seeing their eye doctor regularly. With most vision problems, catching them early on gives more of a chance for successful treatment options. If your elderly loved one does have cataracts, they may need glasses. Even if they already have glasses, they may need an altered prescription. In addition, if there is a diagnosis of cataracts, your elderly loved one may need home care assistance providers to help them out with various tasks throughout the day.
Light Issues
Senior citizens or anyone else that has cataracts will experience lighting issues. For example, people who have this health condition often need to have non-glare lights in their house. There are many different places where you or a home care provider can pick up these types of lights. Many of the local home improvement stores have these light options. If needed, you or a home care assistance provider may also need to adjust the blinds or shades on the windows in your elderly loved one’s house to reduce their sensitivity to light.
Better Eye Care Outdoors
Another issue that your elderly loved one may have to deal with is their eyesight outdoors. Unfortunately, for people who have cataracts, the sunlight can affect their vision. This is especially true on days when the sun is glaring. It is very important that you or a home care assistance provider picks up anti-glare, UV protection sunglasses for your elderly loved one. If they won’t remember to wear these glasses, make sure one of you reminds them to wear the glasses whenever they will be headed outside on sunny days.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that you may want or need to know about cataracts in senior citizens. Now that you are aware of this health condition, you can do better at helping your elderly loved one to get treatment for this issue.
Sources
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts