Our bodies change as we age, and some of these changes impact our vision. Cataracts, a common cause of visual impairment among seniors, occur when the eye’s lens gets clouded, resulting in reduced vision and other issues that can make completing daily tasks much harder for seniors. Unfortunately, this issue can impact seniors’ safety, independence, and quality of life. Elder care providers play an important role in helping seniors understand how cataracts affect their lives and encouraging them to take the necessary steps to receive prompt and efficient treatment.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually, frequently beginning as a small nuisance and advancing to severely compromised eyesight if not addressed. Typical causes include aging, chronic UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, or long-term corticosteroid use. While many seniors may understand what cataracts are, they may not know some of the symptoms to look for or mistake telltale signs for simple changes that occur due to aging. This is significant, as it can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs they should be on the lookout for include the following:
- Blurred or dull vision
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Sensitivity to glare
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Halos around lights
The Impact on Seniors
As mentioned, cataracts can cause vision loss and have far-reaching consequences for a senior’s life. They can increase the likelihood of falls, limit participation in social and recreational activities, and reduce overall independence. As a result, seniors might experience frustration, isolation, and even depression. The good news is that cataracts may be treated efficiently with surgery, which has a high success rate in recovering vision.
How Elder Care Can Help
Elder care can help seniors understand cataracts, manage their symptoms, and seek treatment. Here are a few ways elder care providers can help seniors:
Education and Awareness: Many seniors may be unaware that their vision changes are caused by cataracts. Elder care can help them gather information about the disorder, its symptoms, and the necessity of early detection through frequent eye exams.
Encourage Regular Eye Checkups: Annual visits to an ophthalmologist are critical for early diagnosis of cataracts and other eye diseases. With elder care by their side, seniors can be reminded to make and keep these appointments, as well as receive transportation to and from the doctor.
Assistance with Daily Tasks: Elder care can help seniors who might be struggling with completing their daily tasks due to vision issues, such as cleaning, cooking, or shopping for food.
Emotional Support: Loss of vision can be devastating. Elder care can reassure seniors and encourage them to talk with their medical team about their fears and concerns.
Post-Surgery Care: Following cataract surgery, seniors may require assistance with eye drops, certain activities, and scheduling follow-up appointments. Elder care is a valuable support during this time, ensuring seniors’ needs are met.
Elder care can assist seniors in preserving their independence and improving their quality of life by providing them with resources and encouragement to talk with their medical team about cataracts. At the same time, they can also help seniors manage their daily activities before and after surgery to ensure they have everything they need for a full and safe recovery.
Sources: https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/cataracts/basic-facts
https://getvipcare.com/blog/cataracts-in-older-adults-what-you-need-to-know
https://news.sanfordhealth.org/eye-care/cataracts-what-seniors-need-to-know/