Here’s Why Your Loved One Should Consider Cataract Tests for Seniors

Senior In-Home Care  |  August 30, 2018

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Eye Health and Cataracts

Cataract Tests for Seniors | What are signs that it’s time for a cataract exam? It’s time for a qualifying exam when an aging adult has blurred or double vision, eyeglasses don’t improve the situation, and daily activities are affected by this loss of vision. Since cataracts, left untreated, tend to worsen towards blindness, preventative exams, along with appropriate medical care are crucially important in averting a downward spiral of vision loss. If you are having problems, remember that you are not alone. Cataracts are a common struggle for over 24 million people.

Cataracts are especially prevalent in older adults, causing a clouding of the lens, and restricting the proper amount of light from entering the eyes, thus diminishing visual acuity. Cataracts aren’t painful, but they can be the cause of big problems for someone who values independent living. Cataracts can cause problems with driving because night vision is affected. Problems like blurring or a halo effect around lights will affect the ability to drive. Colours may seem lacklustre and hard to identify, even while wearing glasses. Over time, a senior’s eyes may be noticeably cloudy and discoloured.

We still don’t fully understand what triggers cataracts, other than aging. We do know other factors probably contribute:

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

How can we protect ourselves from cataracts? Wear sunglasses with UV protection, quit smoking, exercise, and eat leafy green veggies. Make an appointment with the eye doctor annually so cataracts can be detected early.

Cataract surgery is commonplace in the U.S. with over 2 million procedures performed annually, with a success rate of over 95%. That’s great news for seniors who worry about their eyesight. Furthermore, recovery time is just a few days, with only about a month necessary for complete healing. During recovery, friends and family may wonder how they can assist their loved one. A professional caregiver is often advised during this time so the patient can live independently with light assistance during these weeks. When the recovering adult receives help with housekeeping, meals, and errands, they maintain a sense of competence. Caregivers can also transport the senior to follow-up medical appointments!

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and 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 which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

Share This Post: