Helping Seniors Understand Glaucoma

There are several changes that can happen to seniors’ vision as they age, including glaucoma. It’s important for seniors to understand glaucoma so they can take the steps they need to control it and help protect their eyesight. Senior home care and loved ones can help seniors make good eye health choices by supporting and encouraging them. Here are some important things to think about when trying to help seniors understand glaucoma.

A Deeper Understanding of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes and damages the optic nerve, which sends visual information to the brain. Often, this damage is caused by too much pressure inside the eye. Without care, glaucoma can cause seniors to lose their sight.

Possible Risk Factors and Prevention

The chance of getting glaucoma rises as you get older. In addition to age, having a family history of glaucoma or a diagnosis of certain medical diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure is also thought to increase the risk. Another theory is that long-term use of corticosteroid medicines might increase the risk. To find out more about risk factors, it’s essential for seniors to attend regular eye exams, even if glaucoma isn’t a concern. Senior home care professionals and loved ones should encourage seniors to get vision checks at least once a year or as often as their eye doctor tells them to.

Glaucoma Treatments

Several treatment options exist for glaucoma. For instance, seniors might be prescribed eye drops that lower the pressure inside the eye. They may also receive a prescription for oral medication. Additionally, surgery might be suggested, depending on the severity of the condition. This can be done by laser or regular means. Loved ones should discuss options with seniors and help them understand that the treatment goal is to keep the situation under control, stop further damage to the optic nerve, and keep their sight. Senior home care aids can also help seniors process their feelings.

Ways to Help Seniors Diagnosed With Glaucoma

When faced with treatment options, seniors might feel overwhelmed. They might already be taking multiple medications and worry they will forget to take their dosage, or if they’ve never had surgery, they might be fearful. Senior home health aids can also help them stay on track with their glaucoma treatment by giving them tips to remember their medicine, like setting alarms or using pill organizers.

Loved ones and senior home care can also encourage lifestyle changes to help seniors deal with glaucoma. This might include supporting healthy meal planning and being consistent with physical exercise. Seniors should also get help for dealing with stress and eliminating smoking if that’s an issue.

Most importantly, seniors should be given the information they need to understand their condition fully. Understanding is key to successful management, whether they look up information online or join a support group. However possible, senior home care and loved ones should make it easy for seniors to ask questions in an open and friendly space.

By teaching seniors about glaucoma, they will have the necessary tools they need to take charge of their eye health. With the right support, they can come to terms with their diagnosis and feel empowered, which enables a positive outlook. It helps to have senior home care with them every step of the way.

Sources:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma?
https://ece.hsdm.harvard.edu/news/glaucoma-awareness-essential-health-aging-population
https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/family-care/glaucoma-common-myths-and-facts-you-should-know-to-help-your-loved-ones/