Cataract Awareness Month every June offers a great opportunity for seniors and family caregivers to talk about cataracts and how they’re likely to affect daily life. Cataracts form as the lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy, obscuring vision. They’re relatively easy to correct in most cases. Cataracts are also extremely common, affecting people of all ages. 24-hour home care providers can offer seniors a great deal of support if they’re living with cataracts.
People of All Ages Might Get Cataracts
Cataracts are extremely common and not just a problem for the elderly. Genetic disorders and other issues can cause cataracts even in babies, and younger adults can develop cataracts because of trauma to the eye or even medications. Sharing information about cataracts could help to reduce the number of younger people who have to treat them.
People Can Reduce Their Risk of Developing Cataracts
So many different factors can lead to cataracts forming. Exposure to sunlight over time can damage proteins in the eyes, making cataracts more likely to form. Smoking causes damage that can also deteriorate the lens of the eye, leading to cataracts. Diets that are high in processed foods and low in vitamins and other nutrients can lead to poor eye health, too. Some health issues, like diabetes, make cataracts more likely to form as well. Managing these issues can help to reduce the risk of cataracts forming, especially if they’re not already in process. Home care providers can help seniors do things like remember to wear sunglasses or eat healthier more consistently.
Responding Earlier Protects Vision
Regular eye exams are a crucial part of helping seniors and other people determine when they’re dealing with a cataract. Eye doctors can see the cataract forming, which means they can let their patients know when the cataract is getting bigger or more severe. Early detection can’t cure the cataract, but it does allow patients to make a more informed decision about when surgery is a good idea.
Symptoms of Cataracts
In the earlier stages of cataract formation, people might not notice that there’s anything interfering with their vision. They might experience blurry or fuzzy vision, finding it difficult to see clearly, even with glasses or corrective lenses. Many people also experience gradually reduced ability to perceive colors, describing them as duller than usual. They could also have trouble with their night vision, making driving at night difficult. People with cataracts may have a lot of trouble with daily activities that require them to see clearly, like reading or engaging in other activities they enjoy. 24-hour home care providers can offer support with these types of activities.
Cataract Surgery Is Very Effective for Most People
Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts. Eye surgeons recommend cataract removal when the clouding reaches a significant enough point. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye and an artificial lens is put in its place. Recovery is usually fairly quick, depending on overall health. Many patients find that it takes their brain a little bit of time to adjust to the new lens.
Cataracts don’t have to leave seniors feeling helpless and alone. 24-hour home care providers can offer them hands-on support with daily tasks, meal preparation, transportation, and more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Houston, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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