How to Support your Parent after a Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Home Care in Ada MI
Glaucoma affects approximately 2.7 million people in the United States, half of which are not aware that they have it. People 60 years of age and older are at higher risk for this insidious disease that begins with little to no warning signs. Eventually, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of this disease. It is brought on with an increase in the pressure of the eye which ultimately leads to pressure and damage to the ocular nerve. For this reason, yearly eye exams for seniors are recommended to check for damage to the optic nerve and pressure in the eyes. If diagnosed early, diminishing eye sight can usually be halted. Damage to the eye and to vision, however, cannot be restored. Glaucoma affects the peripheral vision, what you see from the side of your vision as compared to the central vision.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, nearsightedness, and taking corticosteroid medications all increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Once diagnosed, there are steps you can take to help your loved one slow down this progressive disease. Their ophthalmologist may prescribe medicinal eye drops that decrease eye pressure. If so, it’s important that your parent takes the drops at the right time and the right dose. If they have trouble getting drops into their eye, there are tools that can help with this maneuver. They are designed to make the hand steadier and the dropper bigger and easier to squeeze.
Halting the Progression
In addition to any medication their doctor prescribes, there are other factors that your parent can incorporate into their lifestyle that will help keep their eyes healthy in the years to come. Studies suggest that exercising at a moderate pace for just 20 minutes five times a week can help lower intraocular eye pressure. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in abundance in the eyes and are believed to aid in their protection. These key nutrients are found in spinach, kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens. Vitamin C is also shown to be beneficial to eye health. In one study, thirty people were given doses of vitamin C three times per day. All showed lowered eye pressure.
Support
If you find your loved one needs help with the daily activities of living, remembering to use their eye drops, or maintaining their exercise routine, consider obtaining the services of a home care provider. They can assist your parent when you can’t be there, giving you the time you need to maintain your health and lead a balanced life.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Resources
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/basics/risk-factors/con-20024042
https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/nehep-pdfs/GlaucomaInfoGraphicEnglish.pdf
http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1995/articles/1995-v10n0304-p165.shtml
- What Your Senior Needs When Going to the Hospital - April 17, 2024
- 5 Things to Calm Your Senior Parent with Alzheimer’s - April 10, 2024
- Tips and Tricks for Helping Seniors With Spring Cleaning - April 3, 2024