Even though minor vision loss is a natural part of aging, this issue could impact a senior’s quality of life. Sudden vision loss could also be a sign of some other underlying health problems that must be addressed immediately. These are just a few of the reasons you need to look out for any of these early warning signs your aging loved one might be facing challenges with decreasing eyesight.
Reading Print at Arm’s Length
As seniors grow older, they might begin to develop any number of vision problems, including a condition known as presbyopia. The condition makes it very difficult to read smaller print, and it’s one of the first signs of age-related vision loss. In the earliest stages of presbyopia, seniors might begin to pull their heads back when they’re reading smaller print that’s just in front of them. As the condition progresses, they’ll eventually hold menus, newspapers, and other printed materials at arm’s length.
Cloudy Areas in the Eyes
Cataracts are one of the most common vision problems in the world, and experts at the World Health Organization report they’re the leading cause of partial and total blindness. A cataract is essentially a clouding of the eye that eventually makes its way through the lens. Over time, a cataract can become visible in the eyes, and you should immediately contact an eye doctor if you notice any cloudy areas in your loved one’s eyes.
Seniors with impaired vision may need assistance to be able to continue living safely at home. For many seniors in Edmonton, AB, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Problems with the Eyelids
Harsh UV rays, weight fluctuations, and other variables can have a huge impact on a senior’s eyelids. Over the years, these issues might begin to cause any number of problems, ranging from droopy eyelids to chronic inflammation. While these issues might not seem like a major problem at first, they can lead to some serious vision problems. If you’ve noticed your loved one’s eyelids seem puffy, droopy, swollen, or red, schedule an appointment with the optometrist to explore the treatment options.
Difficulty Getting Around
Many seniors experience balance and agility issues, which can result in constantly bumping into or tripping over items. Eye problems can impact the ability to move around as well, and there may come a point where your loved one seems to always be tripping over cords or bumping into doorways. Making your parent’s home safer is a great start, but you’ll also need to have his or her eyesight checked.
If your loved one is living with vision loss and needs assistance with daily tasks, compassionate help is available. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Edmonton families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Ongoing Complaints
Diagnosing eye problems can be very difficult because many vision issues develop over the course of many years, which is why you must keep careful track of any complaints your loved one makes about his or her eyes or surroundings. As the vision loss becomes worse, your loved one might begin to complain that certain rooms are too dark or that his or her eyes are always burning. These types of comments are clear signs it’s time for your loved one to visit an eye doctor.
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 home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (780) 490-7337 today.