Elder Care Germantown TN
Is your elder loved one at risk for cataracts? If you’re not sure, then it may be time for you to find out for sure. Having up to date information about your loved one’s eye health is essential for him.
Signs Your Loved One Might Be Developing Cataracts
There are a range of different signs that your loved one might be starting to develop cataracts. Some of them start showing up in your elder loved one’s 30s or 40s, even, and only worsen in later life. If your loved one is experiencing blurry or double vision, you should make an appointment for him right away. Some other signs can include needing much more light than usual in order to read or difficulty seeing obstacles in lower light. Your loved one might also find that his current eyeglasses don’t seem to help him to see any better.
Contributing Factors for Cataracts
Your elder loved one might have other health problems that can contribute to developing cataracts. Some of these conditions are things that you can help him to manage, while others are out of anyone’s hands. Other factors that contribute to cataracts can include:
Steroidal medications
Diabetes
Hereditary factors
UV ray exposure
Smoking
Eye injuries
Not all of these factors mean that your loved one will definitely develop cataracts, though. Eye doctors aren’t sure what the differences are from person to person, but there is a high degree of variability.
What You Can Do for Your Elder Loved One
The most important thing that you can do for a loved one who either might develop cataracts or who already has them is to keep up with regular eye appointments. Having his eyes regularly examined can help to make sure that your loved one’s eye doctor is well acquainted with his current eye health and can therefore spot problems more readily. Your loved one can have faster access to treatment when you’re more aware of his eye health. You can also make sure that his eyes are protected with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that block UV rays. If your loved one smokes, quitting would be a good idea. Other tips from your loved one’s doctors can give you more specific information.
Even if you can’t go to the eye doctor with your elder loved one, it’s important that he’s checked right away. You can ask other family members or your loved one’s elder care providers to go with him.
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