The body changes in many ways as it gets older, including the eyes. Along with this, the development of cataracts is common. Cataracts can make life very difficult, but the good news is that successful surgery to remove them has increased as medical technology also improves. It’s important for seniors to understand what cataracts are and how they affect them. With help from loved ones and home care, seniors gain this knowledge and the support they need to recover from surgery.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are clouding of the lens in the eye, which makes it hard to see clearly. In the worst cases, seniors might completely lose their sight. When seniors visit their ophthalmologist consistently, the possibility of finding cataracts early increases. Common signs of cataracts are listed below:

• Fuzzy or Hazy Vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Having trouble seeing at night
• Fading colors
• Double vision in one eye

Seniors should be mindful of these signs, but the home care team should also pay attention to whether seniors are struggling. Additionally, there are some common risks to be mindful of.

• Age
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Smoking
• Long-term exposure to sunlight
• Taking certain medicines

Cataract Surgery: Helping Seniors Get Better

Thanks to medical technology, cataract surgery is a pretty simple process that can be done without staying overnight. The cloudy lens is taken out, and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is put in its place. It’s important for seniors to have support after surgery from either the home care team or loved ones. In addition, the home care team can also help seniors prepare for the surgery.

Helping Seniors Prepare and Recover from Surgery

Seniors need to write down their questions about surgery and make sure they get the answers they’re looking for. The senior home care team can also assist with this to ensure seniors have exactly what they need. Once surgery is complete, it is very important for seniors to follow the ophthalmologist’s post-surgery care directions for a quick recovery. This might include some of the following:

• Use Prescription Eye Drops: These are meant to keep eyes from getting infected and to reduce swelling. Seniors should use them the way they’re instructed, gaining assistance from the home care team.
• Protect the Eyes: Seniors should use sunglasses that block UV rays to protect their eyes from harsh sunlight and lower the risk of problems.
• Avoid Strenuous Activities: During the first few days of recovery, seniors should not do any heavy work or other strenuous activities.
• Attend Follow-up Appointments: It is important for seniors to attend all follow-up visits to assess their successful recovery. The senior home care team can remind them about the appointments and transport them when needed.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep are all crucial for not only general health but also for a speedy recovery.

Older people may have trouble with cataracts, but surgery and the time it takes to heal can help them see more clearly. When cataract surgery is needed, loved ones and the home care team can help seniors be as healthy as they can be.

Sources:
https://www.georgiaeyeassociates.com/cataracts/how-to-care-for-a-loved-one-who-is-living-with-cataracts/
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
https://getvipcare.com/blog/cataracts-in-older-adults-what-you-need-to-know/

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Rockwall, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 888-740-7023

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Wood County, Dallas County, Rockwall County, Kaufman County, Van Zandt County, Rains County, Henderson County, Navarro County and Ellis County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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