One of the leading causes of blindness in seniors is due to a disease known as glaucoma. While there is no cure for glaucoma, doctors can help seniors manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease through treatments. Of course, it’s better for aging adults to avoid developing glaucoma at all.
For seniors who depend on family caregivers and home care providers for help with daily tasks, it’s important that everyone focuses on the proven methods that may prevent the disease in the first place. These are some ways that family caregivers and home care providers can help aging adults avoid glaucoma, as well as how to treat symptoms if a diagnosis of glaucoma is given by a doctor.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams for Elderly Adults
The number one thing that family caregivers can do to help their aging loved one avoid glaucoma is to get them to the eye doctor regularly. During a standard eye exam, the eye doctor can detect the early stages of the disease. As with most health issues, early detection is a big factor in successful treatment. Because there are no noticeable symptoms to seniors until the glaucoma is well-developed and much harder to treat, eye exams are the key to avoiding complications early on.
Eat Healthy and Control Health Issues
Glaucoma is the buildup of pressure in the eye, but a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in eliminating a lot of problems. A healthy diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce intraocular pressure that leads to glaucoma. Regular activity and exercise are other good ways for seniors to stay healthy. It’s also important for family caregivers and home care providers to help aging adults manage other health issues they may have, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Know the Risk Factors
While glaucoma can develop in seniors of any age and background, there are certain risk factors that have been noted by medical experts. Adults over the age of 60, with an African-American, Hispanic or Asian heritage are most likely to develop glaucoma. People who have a family history of the disease are also at a higher risk. Other biological factors such as the size of the cornea, the anatomy of the optic nerve and typical high pressure in the eyes can also boost a person’s chances of developing glaucoma. Family caregivers and home care providers who are aware of the risk factors should be ever vigilant.
Watch for Symptoms
When everyone is aware of the symptoms of glaucoma, family caregivers and home care providers can act quickly when any are noticed or mentioned by the aging adult. Common symptoms include blurry vision, seeing double, tunnel vision, headaches, and problems adjusting to sudden light changes. These can signal glaucoma or another eye disease, so it’s best to get the aging adults to the eye doctor as soon as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
