Age-Related Eye Diseases & How to Keep Them at Bay

Minor vision loss is a normal part of aging, and it’s rarely caused by serious diseases. However, seniors and their loved ones need to be concerned when vision loss is sudden or accompanied by other unusual symptoms. Here are a few of the most prevalent age-related eye diseases and what can be done to prevent them. 

 

Cataracts

When too much protein accumulates in the lens of an eye, it can cause a cataract. In the earliest stages of this condition, seniors may experience hazy vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty identifying certain colors. 

One of the most effective ways to prevent cataracts is to protect the eyes from sun damage by wearing sunglasses and hats. Some studies have shown cigarettes might increase the risk of cataracts as well, so seniors who smoke should consider quitting. 

Cataracts are one of the many conditions that can affect your loved one’s quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

 

Glaucoma

Contrary to what many people believe, glaucoma is actually a group of conditions that could potentially damage the optic nerve. Scheduling regular eye exams is one of the best ways to detect and treat glaucoma before it does permanent damage. 

When glaucoma is diagnosed early, vision loss can be prevented with professional treatments such as prescription eye drops and laser treatment. Traditional eye surgery might be needed if the eye drops and lasers prove ineffective. 

 

Retinopathy

One of the major complications of diabetes is a unique condition known as retinopathy. As diabetes progresses, vessels in the eyes begin to grow in unusual places and burst when they have no more room to expand. 

Doctors may be able to remove the vessels before they cause permanent damage, but controlling blood sugar levels is a much safer option. Seniors with diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels with dietary changes and prescription medication. 

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

 

Macular Degeneration

Seniors who have this condition rarely lose their vision, but it can make everyday tasks like driving and reading extremely difficult. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products, and switching to a healthy diet can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. 

Once this condition damages the eyes, lasers can be used to partially restore eyesight. A large study funded by the National Eye Institute has revealed that taking vitamin C, copper, and zinc supplements could potentially slow the rate of degeneration as well. 

 

Retinal Detachment

Most people think of retinal detachment as resulting from an acute injury, but it can also be caused by a wide variety of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, retinal disease, and cancer. A large percentage of seniors never realize their retinas are starting to detach until the damage has already been done, which is another reason it’s important to have annual eye exams. To prevent permanent blindness, seniors who have been diagnosed with this condition must schedule regular appointments to drain their eyes and relieve the pressure on their retinas.

Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Pearland live-in care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.