Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually results in loss of vision. Symptoms can include loss of peripheral vision or blind spots. These changes are often only detected by an eye exam which is why routine exams are necessary. Treatments for glaucoma can include beta blockers in the form of eye drops. The treatment of eye drops is used on a regular basis to decrease fluid production and pressure in the eye. Surgery is an option for some seniors and helps reduce the pressure in the eye. These surgeries are becoming more and more advanced and can be very helpful.

Professional in-home caregivers can help your aging loved one live with their glaucoma. Protecting the eyes not only helps prevent glaucoma, it also helps keep eye pressure build-up down. Wearing sunglasses and keeping from looking into bright lights are two simple ways of keeping inflammation down. Seniors may not realize the small things that cause their eyes damage, which is why a caregiver needs to help them care for their eyes. Caregivers need to be the reminder to wear sunglasses and keep up with their eye drops, among other important precautions.

Good vision helps you feel your best. With age vision starts to change. A senior may need more light to see. It can become difficult to tell the difference between colors such as blues and greens. It can be difficult for seniors to adjust to glares or a change in darkness. Focusing on things near or far away can also become difficult. Many people, if not everyone, experience these changes with age. Even with changing eyesight seniors can live active and independent lives. Glaucoma doesn’t have to slow your elderly loved one done, especially when they have a caregiver by their side.

Getting around the house, running errands, and leisurely walks in the park are all normal activities that your senior can continue to do for many years down the road, even with glaucoma. While enjoying these activities your senior and their caregiver should make changes or adjustments to help themselves see well. Glaucoma can cause sensitivity to light so caregivers should always have their senior’s sunglasses and a brimmed hat on hand. Lighting around the house needs to be nice and bright for reading and/or dimmed when bright light isn’t needed. Both a lack of light and an excess of light can cause the eyes to strain and build up pressure. Adjusting light as needed helps keep eye pressure down.

Regular doctor visits are very important for elders who have glaucoma. Caregivers can help take seniors to their appointment and also help them keep track of when they need to revisit. The effects of glaucoma can only be seen during an eye exam which is why regular visits are a necessity. Caregivers should help their seniors keep their eyeglass

If you or an aging loved one needs home care services in the Sacramento, CA area, remember Senior Home Care Services for all services needed. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.