Home Care in Summerlin NV
The term presbyopia refers to changes in vision associated with aging, specifically, increasing difficulty with close-up vision such as reading. It is due to a hardening of the lens of the eye and is a normal part of the aging process. It usually begins in the mid-40s and is characterized by blurred vision. You may notice your parent moving reading material further away from their eyes or removing their glasses when reading fine print.
Age-related Vision Changes
There are certain diseases that put your parent at an increased risk of developing presbyopia such as diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid problems as well as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis. Some medications may be responsible for vision changes; these include anti-depressants, anti-histamines and diuretics.
In addition to increased difficulty with close-up vision, age may bring the need for more lighting. If your loved one sits at a desk often, you may consider getting a brighter light for that area. If they read while sitting in a specific chair, make sure that area is well lit. Glare may become more prominent. Shades of color may be harder to differentiate. Eyes may become dry.
The Next Step
Set up an appointment with your parent’s ophthalmologist. They will be able to suggest the best option for your parent which will consist of glasses, contacts or laser eye surgery. Yearly check-ups are recommended to ensure the health of the eyes and catch any of the subtle diseases, including glaucoma, which often go undiagnosed due to their symptom-free onsets. Just as with the rest of the body, eyes benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet. Make sure your loved one’s life contains both. 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. As an incentive, a study of 5,600 people found that those who engaged in moderate exercise had a 25 percent less chance of developing glaucoma. A well-balanced diet for eye health includes a diet of predominantly whole foods such as fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, E and zinc. Limit alcohol intake and avoid nicotine.
Elderly Care Provider
If your parent needs help implementing the lifestyle changes that constitute health and wellness for the eyes, consider obtaining the services of an elderly care provider. These professionals can go grocery shopping and then prepare antioxidant rich meals for your parent. They can accompany them on daily walks or provide transportation to physical fitness classes at the local senior community center.
Resources
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/exercise-eyes-vision-4
www.aoa.org/parients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-
age/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age?sso=y
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.