Cataracts and Vision: What You Need to Know

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Cataracts and Vision: What You Need to Know, Cherished Companions

If you are a senior citizen in Ohio and are experiencing vision problems, you may be suffering from cataracts. Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment in the United States, and they can occur at any age.

In this article, we will discuss the impact of cataracts on vision and what you can do to protect your sight.

What are cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes clouded. This cloudiness can make it difficult to see clearly. In some cases, cataracts can cause complete blindness. Cataracts are usually caused by the natural aging process, but they can also be caused by injuries to the eye, diabetes or long-term use of steroid medications. Below are some other causes:

  • UV radiation from the sun
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
  • Cataracts can also be hereditary

Common cataracts symptoms
It can be difficult to tell if you have cataracts because the symptoms develop gradually. However, there are some common signs that you may be experiencing cataracts, including:

  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Glare from oncoming headlights while driving
  • Fading or yellowing of colors

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.


What is the treatment for cataracts and how successful is it in restoring vision?
Cataracts can be removed with surgery. The surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and then remove the cloudy lens. Once the lens is removed the doctor will replace it with a new lens, you will then be able to see clearly again. Surgery is usually successful in restoring vision. In fact, more than 98% of people who have cataract surgery experience an improvement in their vision.


As with all surgeries, there are some risks associated with cataract surgery. These risks include infection, bleeding and damage to the eye. However, these risks are very small and most people do not experience any problems after surgery.


There’s no urgency to have surgery, so many individuals put it off until it’s absolutely necessary, preferring to manage their symptoms in other ways until then. The deterioration of eyesight is frequently gradual.


How to cope with cataracts
Sometimes treatment may not always be effective in restoring vision. In this case, there are some things that you can do to cope with your cataracts.


Cataracts may not be very irritating early on. Many people just adjust to minor eyesight alterations. Other coping and visual assistance tactics that may be employed when eyesight deteriorates include:

  • Images might be easier to view with better lighting. Invest in a quality floor lamp.
  • Increase text size on computer screens and other devices by making the text larger in your settings or purchasing a magnifying glass.
  • Reading aids include magnifying glasses, stronger lens prescriptions (glasses/contacts).
  • Contrasting colors can be used to help differentiate not just between things, but also to show the border of a counter or a step.
  • Limit your night-time driving because visibility is often reduced and there may be greater glare from headlights and lamps. Furthermore, darkness might make it more difficult to identify potential road hazards as well as read traffic signs.
  • Wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim to help reduce glare.
  • There are also Ohio organizations that can help with activities of daily living that provide seniors with extracare and assistance they may need. If you are experiencing vision problems and would like more information on how we can help you, contact us today.

Conclusion
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. This means that there is a good chance that at some point in your life you or someone you know will be affected by cataracts. As we age, our risk for developing cataracts increases so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and how to treat them.
We hope that this information provides you with a better understanding of cataracts and empowers you to take action if you experience any of these symptoms.

At Cherished Companions, our caregivers take health and safety seriously and will have ongoing communication with family members about the health of their loved ones.

For further questions, to request resources or to inquire about having your loved one utilize our services, contact Cherished Companions today on our website or call (440) 484-5390.


+ Bonus Caregiver Questions To Ask Before You Choose An Agency

 

Cataracts and Vision: What You Need to Know, Cherished CompanionsAs you prepare to interview care agencies, take a look at the agency’s website to learn basic information about the types of care provided, specific services available, and payment options. You can expand on these topics with additional questions during the interview. Keep these tips in mind during the research process:

 

  • Get recommendations. Talk to healthcare professionals in the field, your mom or dad’s doctor, and any friends or family members you know who have worked with a home care agency previously. Ask them which agencies they have had the best experience with and find out what they think about each provider you plan to contact. Look online for reviews and ratings. Do they have a lot of reviews?  Look for independent review sites that have verified reviews such as bestofhomecare.com and look for agencies that have awards. See if they are accredited through the BBB and if they have an A+ rating.
  • Check references. The agency should supply a list of references such as health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, social workers and other providers they have worked with. Call these references and ask them whether they regularly refer patients to the agency and what sort of feedback they have heard from clients.
  • Consider the agency’s technology innovation. Does the agency have an online portal where you can view care plans and communicate with caregivers? Do they respond to communication quickly? Can you access information about your loved one via mobile? These are all useful ways to stay informed about your mom or dad’s care.
  • Understand their process. Will you have the opportunity to interview caregivers? What happens if the caregiver isn’t a good fit? Will the same caregiver serve your loved one at each visit? How does the agency provide accountability for quality of service?

Download Your Guide

We understand the importance of finding the right caregiver for your family member. The questions included in this guide will help make this process as straightforward and informative as possible.

 

Give your mom or dad the gift of independence at home with quality, compassionate in-home care.

Download your guide.

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