Cataract Exams and Seniors

Edmonton Senior Health  |  August 30, 2018

If Your Loved One is Experiencing Vision Problems It May Be Time for a Cataract Exam

Cataract Exams and Seniors | How would someone know if it’s time for a cataract exam? If there’s blurred or double vision, eyeglasses don’t make an improvement, and daily activities are affected, a professional cataract exam is needed! Cataracts, left untreated, continue to worsen and may lead to blindness. Still, they’re a common struggle for over 24 million people. Preventative exams and adequate medical care are vital to prevent the downward spiral.

Cataracts are an extremely common challenge. They cause a clouding of the lens, blocking proper light from entering the eye, thus diminishing vision. Although cataracts don’t create pain, they do create big problems for anyone trying to maintain independence. Because cataracts can cause night vision problems, like blurring, or a halo effect around lights, someone affected may have to stop driving until after surgery and full recovery. Colours may appear dull and hard to identify, even when wearing corrective eyeglass prescriptions. Without treatment, the eyes can begin to look cloudy or discoloured and may become visible to others.

The medical community doesn’t fully understand what triggers cataracts, besides the natural effects of aging. However, factors that may contribute to cataracts include the following:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Eye injury, specific diseases, or inflammation
• Exposure to UV rays
• Hereditary factors
• Using steroids for extended periods
• Events that occur before birth, such as an illness the mother has when pregnant

So, what should we do to prevent cataracts? Start with wearing sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days. In addition, quit smoking, get more exercise, and eat leafy green veggies. See an eye doctor regularly so cataracts can be identified quickly, and the best measures can be implemented to protect vision.

Eye surgery to remove cataracts is not rare in the U.S. Over 2 million procedures are performed annually with a success rate of over 95%. More good news is that recovery time is typically a few days, although complete healing takes up to a month. During this recovery, the family may be concerned about how they can assist their loved one. The patient might benefit from a professional caregiver to assist them with daily activities for these weeks. When an older adult has helped with housekeeping chores, meal preparation, or errands, they can regain a sense of competence. Caregivers can even provide transportation for follow-up medical appointments!

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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