One of the common issues that seniors deal with is cataracts. A cataract is a cloud over the lens of the eye that impacts vision. They can occur for a number of reasons, with age being one of them.
If you think that cataracts might be an issue, it’s important to speak to a doctor that understands your situation. A medical professional will be able to give you direction on how to move forward.
Cataracts might seem like a minor annoyance at first. Over time, vision will deteriorate, though. This can get especially bad at nighttime. At first, glasses might help. However, as vision gets even cloudier, there’s no good non-invasive method of treating the issue.
Sometimes, surgery is recommended for people with cataracts in order to correct their vision. While the surgery is typically simple, it’s still a surgical procedure. There’s a lot of research out there regarding the dangers of surgery in elderly folk–although this surgery tends to be safe. The older someone is and the worse their overall health, the harder the recovery process can become. Add things like dementia or other cognitive issues into the mix and recovery can be very difficult. Again, working with a doctor is important.
Still, cataract surgery is never a decision that should be made lightly. Both my grandmother and my mother went through this surgery. My doctor has told me that I am likely to need it at some point in the future. And if I’m going to be honest, this is a topic that I began researching with some selfish motives. I want to be prepared so that I can make informed decisions moving forward. However, I also have seen some of the complications that can arise.
For example, one of my mom’s eyes had a cataract so thick that the doctor damaged her eye. She ended up needing a cornea transplant a couple years after the cataract surgery and will likely have some need for ongoing medical attention on the eye for the rest of her life. If the cataract had been addressed sooner, this probably could have been avoided.
At the end of the day, you need to make an informed decision based upon your own unique set of needs and goals. Work closely with a doctor that knows you and understands your situation. They will be able to give you customized advice tailored to help meet your goals more effectively. You can (and should) start with your own research, but a medical professional will be able to guide you better to the ins and outs of cataracts, as well as any other medical issues you might be up against.
If you would like to talk more about how high quality professional senior care might be able to help you and your family live a better, safer life, please feel free to get in touch. We have a staff of trained caregivers that would be happy to sit down and talk with you and help answer your questions. There’s no obligation on your part, just give us a call or send an email to get started.
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