Vision loss is something often experienced amongst our seniors. As the body ages, it loses some of its ability to function at optimal. In this post, we want to discuss how vision loss affects the elderly and how you can help your loved one manage.
Why do elderly people risk vision loss and what causes this to happen?
There are many reasons why vision loss occurs in elderly people. But being able to identify and treat it early is often a step in the right direction. Oftentimes with early treatment full vision loss can be prevented.
Glaucoma
Some geriatric patients develop glaucoma as a result of other underlying eye or medical conditions and this can result in vision loss with time.
Cataracts
Cataract formation is not uncommon among elderly communities. While they can cause partial vision loss, having it removed can restore the sight.
Macular degeneration
As the body ages, wear and tear occur on a large scale including that of the eyes. When people experience age-related Macular degeneration, it sometimes leads to vision loss. This is due to the deteriorating of the retina’s central parts.
Diabetic retinopathy
As the name suggests, “diabetic retinopathy” is a form of vision loss is as a result of diabetes.
What treatment options are there for senior patients with vision loss?
The most reputable senior care homes are already equipped to accommodate seniors experiencing vision loss. These include proper lighting throughout their living areas, obstacle-free living zones, and medication management with regular checkups.
The following can also help your elderly parent to manage the loss of vision:
- Using books with large print
- Prescription reading glasses
- Magnifiers
- Spaces that are clutter free to prevent falls
- Slip-free and secure bathroom tiles and railings
- Walkways inside and out should be cleared of any clutter and unnecessary items
Surgery is another option but not all patients may qualify for surgery. Surgery can remove the membrane growth that occurs in cataract formation. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileus) surgery may also improve nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia).
There are many considerations to remember before your senior parent has surgery. One of these is that even while eye surgery healing time is quicker in younger patients, older folks need more time to recover. Some surgeries are especially made for treating “presbyopia”. This is when the vision deteriorates as a result of becoming older and the eye’s lens hardens.
Could your senior loved one qualify for LASIK?
As mentioned previously, the eye specialist will examine the geriatric patient’s eyes and assess whether they can have the surgery and treatment.
They will check the following amongst other:
- Are the eyes healthy?
- The pupils must not be very large
- The cornea has to be thick
Brooklyn Care provides a variety of services suited to the elder residents living here. Contact us TODAY
Related articles that might interest you:
- How To Help Your Senior Parent Cope With Hearing Loss
- What Is Muscle Degeneration and Can It Be Prevented?
- Managing Life: Your Parent Living With Osteoporosis
FAQ: How To Cope With Vision Loss In Seniors
How can vision loss affect your life?
Vision loss can effect your quality of life when you start falling which can lead in injury
How do I cope with blurred vision?
If you start getting blurred vision rest is very important which will relive the eye strain
How do you live with loss of vision?
One will need to invest in better reading glasses. You can increase the font size on your cell phone, laptop, tablet
How do you know if your losing your vision?
Severe pain in your eye. Double vission is also a sign of losing your vision
How do u know if ur going blind?
Recurrent pain in or around the eye. Hazy, blurred, or double vision