World Blindness Awareness Month: What Causes Blindness in the Elderly?
October 9, 2018
Stop and consider the different reasons senior citizens become blind. While an eye injury is one way, there are several health conditions or diseases that can also lead to blindness. Many are preventable. October is World Blindness Awareness Month. It's an ideal time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your parents.
Home Care in San Jose CA: Causes of Blindness in the Elderly
Diseases and Conditions That May Cause Vision Loss.
Age-related macular degeneration occurs when an area of the retina starts to break down. The macula is responsible for central eyesight. It appears in two forms: dry and wet. The dry form is most common, and it doesn't have to cause vision loss. The wet form is less common, but it's more likely to cause vision loss. With the wet version, vessels form and leak blood and fluid into the macula, which distorts a person's vision.
Cataracts are the most common reason for seniors to lose their sight. The progressive condition occurs as a cloudy film forms over the lens in the eye. It may be years before vision is affected, but some people find it progresses rapidly. There is a surgery that reverses the condition.
Diabetic retinopathy is a concern for anyone with diabetes. It can cause swelling or hemorrhages within the retina. Blurred and distorted vision are common complaints as the disease progresses.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to blindness. Most glaucoma patients are over the age of 65. The loss of vision may happen very slowly as the disease continues to damage the optic nerve. High blood pressure and diabetes raise the risk of developing glaucoma.
Vision loss impacts daily life. Your mom or dad will need someone to drive them to appointments. They'll need help shopping. Home care services like cooking, personal care, and housework may be essential if they're aging at home. Talk to us to learn more about these and other services offered by area caregivers.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam.
During an eye exam, the doctor may ask your mom or dad to provide a medical history. This history covers health conditions and diseases that run in the family. After this, equipment is used to test vision. The doctor will check the peripheral vision, color vision, the pupil's response to light, and health of the eyelid.
Drops that dilate the eyes are used to allow the doctor to see the optic nerve and retina. Finally, a puff of air is blown into the eye to check eye fluid pressure.
If vision is impaired, you must make sure your parent has safe transportation for shopping, appointments, and socialization. Home care services include everything from laundry to transportation.