Elderly Care in Woolwich Township, NJ
Most people expect that their vision will decrease as they get older, but it is important to remember that just because you think that vision that is not as sharp as it used to be is a normal part of aging does not mean that your elderly care efforts for your seniors should not be geared toward protecting their eye heath, understanding the risks that they face regarding the future of their vision, and doing what you can to make sure that they make the most of the vision that they do have.
February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, the perfect opportunity for you to make educating yourself and your parents about Age-Related Macular Degeneration and low vision, as well as coming up with plans and approaches for how you can help you parents cope with these challenges, a part of your elderly care efforts for them.
AMD impacts the structures in the eye that control straight ahead vision, meaning that in it advanced stages people who are coping with this disease can only perceive images through their side vision, or periphery. This condition develops very slowly and it is often not until the disease is very serious that the person even realizes that there is something wrong. This loss of central vision can put your aging parents in very dangerous situations, especially if they are trying to continue with activities such as driving. Recognizing AMD early is essential to not only ensuring that your parents not put themselves in such dangerous situations, but that they also start the treatment that is right for them so that they can preserve their eye health and their vision for as long as possible.
Though it is not fully understood what causes AMD, there are some risk factors that seem to increase the chances of developing the condition. These include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Race
- Family history of AMD
- Age
It is important to note that not all vision problems among aging adults are caused by AMD. Low vision can occur simply because the body is getting older. This is why it is so important to recognize the symptoms of the disease so that you can ensure your parents get the right treatment for their particular needs. Symptoms of AMD can include:
- Blind spots in the central field of vision
- Objects seem farther away or small
- Doorways and similar objects may look crooked
- Straight lines appear curved or wavy
- Faces appear wavy
- It is more difficult to see things that are right in front of you, such as something that you are writing or the television
If you or your parents’ home care provider notices any of these issues, it is important to get your loved ones into the ophthalmologist as soon as possible for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. Once the doctor has identified the actual root of the vision problems, you can all work together to ensure your parents continue to live the highest quality of life possible even with their vision concerns.
Source
http://www.ehnpc.com/blog/detail/2012/02/22/february-is-national-amd-low-vision-awareness-month.html
For elderly care in Woolwich Township, NJ and the surrounding areas call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
