How to Care for Yourself When You Have Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition that impacts more than half of Americans by the time they turn 80. Whether you have developed it recently or undergone surgery, proper care and support are crucial for vision problems. Considering preserving eye health, understanding surgery options, and finding an elderly home with assisted living amenities suitable for vision-impaired seniors is beneficial. Read on to explore and understand effective ways to care for yourself if you have cataracts.

What are Cataracts?

This eye condition refers to the clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision and reduced visual clarity. The lens, responsible for focusing light onto the retina, gradually becomes opaque over time, hindering clear vision. This condition often develops due to age-related changes in the eye. They can also occur due to other factors such as genetics, diabetes, smoking, or long-term exposure to sunlight.

Vision Changes Due to Cataracts

As the condition progresses, you may experience several vision changes, including the following:

Blurred vision: Objects appear hazy or less defined.
Increased sensitivity to light: Bright lighting can cause discomfort or glare.
Difficulty with night vision: Driving or navigating in low-light conditions becomes challenging.
Color distortion: Colors may appear yellowed or faded.
Double vision: Things may appear overlapped or duplicated.
Frequent changes in prescription: Regular variations in eyeglass prescription may be necessary.

Risk Factors for Developing Cataracts

While aging is the primary risk factor for cataracts, several other aspects contribute to their formation. These include:

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection can increase the possibility of cataracts.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher likelihood of developing this eye problem.
Diabetes: Having diabetes makes you more prone to cataracts.
Medications: Long-term use of specific medicines can increase the risk.
Eye injuries or inflammation: Past wounds or inflammation in the eye may contribute to cataract development.

Preserving Eye Health and Reducing the Risk for Cataracts

Although you cannot prevent cataracts entirely, some lifestyle changes can help improve your eye health and reduce the chances of developing cataracts:

Move Your Body

Engaging in regular physical activity improves overall health, including eye health. Exercise increases blood circulation, which promotes eye health and may lower the risk of cataracts. A minimum of 30-45 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week can enhance your well-being.

Get More Greens

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, particularly those high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, can enhance your eye health. Leafy greens, colorful fruits, and vegetables are excellent choices.

Wear Shades

Protecting your eyes from exposure to harmful UV rays is crucial. Wear sunglasses that block 100% UV rays outdoors, especially during peak sunlight.

Tips to Manage Living with Cataracts

For seniors with cataracts, having supportive eye care professionals can help make a significant difference in their daily lives. Here are some ways to receive proper assistance:

Create a safe living environment: Make necessary modifications to the living space to ensure it is safe and accessible. Install handrails, improve lighting, remove hazards, and organize belongings in an easy way to navigate.
Install proper lighting: Ensure the living environment is well-lit and minimize shadows to reduce the risk of falls.
Get assistance for daily tasks: Having help with activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming, ensures safety and comfort. Reputable elderly homes offer such services to ensure you are well cared for in your senior years.
Get emotional support: Understand the challenges of vision impairment and surround yourself with empathetic, patient, and friendly people. Share your thoughts to avoid experiencing frustration or anxiety.
Stay independent: Look for assisted living facilities or elderly homes that help seniors with vision problems by providing resources to assist you in your daily activities. Doing so will help you stay independent without compromising your health.

Caring for Yourself in an Elderly Home

Use window shades to avoid glare.
Install higher-watt bulbs or bright lighting.
Do not strain your eyes while reading. Use a magnifying glass and choose large-print books to prevent further damaging your eyes.
Consult your doctor regularly to have your eyes checked.
Update your glasses immediately when necessary.
Avoid smoking because it can worsen cataracts.
Reduce the consumption of alcohol.
Stay informed, seek professional guidance, and adopt proactive measures to preserve your eye health.
Implement the required lifestyle changes and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Choose a suitable elderly home to receive the highest level of care and support.

Is Cataract Surgery an Option for Seniors?

Cataract surgery is often an effective solution if you experience significant vision impairment in the later years. It is wise to consult an ophthalmologist about the decision to undergo surgery. They will assess the severity of your conditions and overall health to determine if you are suitable for cataract surgery.

Types of Cataract Surgery

Phaco or Phacoemulsification: This is the most common cataract surgery technique. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye and uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens. They will replace the fragmented lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Extracapsular Surgery: This technique is typically used for more advanced cataracts. It involves making a larger incision and removing the cloudy lens in one piece. The surgeon also inserts an IOL to restore clear vision.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility for Vision Problems

When vision impairment affects your daily living to a significant degree, transitioning to an assisted living facility may be a suitable option. The following are some crucial aspects to consider when selecting one for your needs:

Qualified and Trained Staff

Ensure that the facility has staff members who are experienced in caring for residents with vision impairments. They should have the knowledge and skills to provide you with appropriate support and assistance.

Vision-Impaired-Friendly Features and Amenities

Look for elderly homes designed with the needs of vision-impaired seniors. This includes clear signage, good lighting, handrails, non-slip flooring, and contrasting colors to ensure easy navigation and enhance safety.

Eye Health Monitoring

Confirm that the elderly home has protocols to monitor your eye health regularly. Some popular measures include regular eye examinations, coordination with ophthalmologists, and assistance with medication management related to eye conditions.

Support with Daily Tasks and Activities

Assisted living facility and elderly home you choose should offer support with daily activities and tasks, including meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and transportation services. Ensure that they can accommodate specific needs related to vision impairment.

How Can Holiday Retirement Help You?

At The Holiday Retirement, we understand the unique needs of seniors with vision impairments, including those with cataracts. Our elderly homes and assisted living facility provide a comfortable and supportive environment for older adults. With qualified and compassionate staff, vision-impaired-friendly features and amenities, and a focus on personalized care, we aim to enhance your health and quality of life.

With a commitment to promoting independence and maintaining a high standard of care, our team ensures a safe and nurturing environment for residents with vision impairments. Our dedicated staff members offer assistance with daily tasks, medication management, and transportation, enabling you to focus on your health while receiving the support you need. We also host various activities to keep you engaged without compromising your well-being.

You can schedule a facility tour to learn more about how The Holiday Retirement can support you in the later years. You can also call us at 1-401-762-4226 if you have any questions about our amenities for older adults. Our experts will happily answer your questions about our assisted living services, location, cost, and more to help you make an informed decision.