Cataract Exams and Seniors

Edmonton Senior Health  |  August 30, 2018

If Your Loved One is Experiencing Vision Problems It May Be Time for a Cataract Exam

Cataract Exams and Seniors | How would someone know if it’s time for a cataract exam? If there’s blurred or double vision, eyeglasses don’t help, and daily activities are affected, a professional cataract exam is needed!

Cataracts, left untreated, continue to worsen and may lead to blindness. Still, they’re a common struggle for over 24 million people. Preventative exams and adequate medical care are vital to prevent the downward spiral.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common challenge. They cause a clouding of the lens, blocking proper light from entering the eye, thus diminishing vision. Although cataracts don’t create pain, they do cause big problems for anyone trying to maintain independence.

Because cataracts can cause night vision problems, like blurring, or a halo effect around lights, someone affected may have to stop driving until after surgery and full recovery.

Colours may appear dull and hard to identify, even when wearing corrective eyeglass prescriptions. Without treatment, the eyes can begin to look cloudy or discoloured and may become visible to others.

What Causes Cataracts?

The medical community doesn’t fully understand what triggers cataracts, besides the natural effects of aging. However, factors that may contribute to cataracts include:

• • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Eye injury, specific diseases, or inflammation
  • Exposure to UV rays
  • Hereditary factors
  • Using steroids for extended periods
  • Events that occur before birth, such as an illness the mother has when pregnant

How Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

So, what should we do to prevent cataracts? See an eye doctor regularly so cataracts can be identified quickly, and the best measures can be implemented to protect vision.

#1. Start with wearing sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days

#2. Quit smoking

#3. Get more exercise

#4. Eat leafy green veggies

Cataract Surgery and Recovery

Eye surgery to remove cataracts is not rare in the U.S. Over 2 million procedures are performed annually with a success rate of over 95%. Recovery is typically a few days, although complete healing takes up to a month.

During this recovery, the family may be concerned about how they can assist their loved one. The patient might benefit from a professional caregiver to help them with daily activities for these weeks.

Seniors who have help with housekeeping chores, meal preparation, or errands, can regain a sense of competence. Comfort Keepers® caregivers can even provide transportation for follow-up medical appointments!

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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