Blindness can happen suddenly or build up over time. Family caregivers must monitor their elderly parents’ actions to determine if they’re experiencing any symptoms associated with vision loss. Take a look at some of the most common signs of vision impairment and what can be done in the case of each sign.
1. Eye Pain
Eye pain could be a sign of narrow-angle glaucoma in older adults. The condition can permanently damage the optic nerve, causing severe eye pain. When your loved one experiences this symptom, take him or her to the doctor immediately. An eye doctor can provide treatment for the condition, which could relieve the pain and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
In some cases, mild eye pain could indicate the onset of a serious medical condition. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of senior care Green Valley, Arizona, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Double Vision
Seeing double images when there should only be one is an issue that requires immediate medical attention. Dismissing double vision as a sign of vision loss could lead to permanent eye damage. A doctor can determine if the issue is affecting one eye or both eyes. After making a diagnosis, the eye doctor may prescribe medications or patch one eye temporarily to correct the squint that is causing double vision.
3. Reduced Peripheral Vision
Vision issues are common as adults continue to age, but when seniors are unable to see objects off to the sides, it could be a sign of glaucoma. Without immediate treatment from an eye doctor, your loved one could continue to experience peripheral vision loss. As this condition worsens, the odds of experiencing tunnel vision could increase. Your parent may also become blind if you ignore the warning signs of peripheral vision loss.
Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Green Valley seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
4. Changes in Reading Habits
If your parent is an avid reader and suddenly refuses to read at all, he or she may be experiencing vision impairment related to macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among older adults. The gradual loss of vision causes the lines in the reading materials to be distorted and difficult to follow. There are various treatments that could limit or halt the condition, making it easier for seniors to enjoy reading their favorite books.
5. Unexplainable Bruises and Scratches
Vision loss can make it difficult for older adults to navigate their homes or operate their vehicles. As a result, they may bump into objects that leave bruises on their bodies. If you notice unexplainable scratches on your loved one’s vehicle and damage to the driveway or garage, it could be a sign of vision loss. Your parent may have developed a macular hole in part of his or her retina, disrupting focus. Macular holes can worsen over time and increase the risk of permanent vision loss, which is why your loved one needs to see an eye doctor for a prompt diagnosis and a treatment plan to save his or her vision.
Loss of vision can make it difficult for seniors to manage everyday activities independently. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Green Valley Embrace In-Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.