Home Care: January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and there are some things that seniors and their families should know about this eye disease.

Glaucoma is the number one cause of vision loss in the U.S. And nearly 2% of all seniors will have Glaucoma at some point. Glaucoma can also be caused by other medical conditions, many of which affect seniors. Secondary Glaucoma is what doctors call optic nerve damage that results in vision loss that is caused by other medical conditions. During the month of January, you and your senior loved one should take some time to learn more about Glaucoma and how you can both lower your risk of developing it. Some things that you and your senior and your home care services provider should know about Glaucoma is:

 

It Runs In Families

In most cases people don’t develop Glaucoma until they are older than 60, but the disease does tend to run in families. That means if your senior loved one has Glaucoma you have a high risk for developing it too as you age. And if your grandparents had it then your senior parent or parents have a high risk for developing it also. It’s helpful to know your family history and to know if any of your other relatives have had Glaucoma. If they have then your senior loved ones should be tested for Glaucoma regularly if they haven’t been diagnosed with it already.

 

There Are Different Types Of Glaucoma

Some types of Glaucoma are more common than others but there are more than four types of Glaucoma. The area of the eye and where the pressure that is on the optic nerve is coming from all factor into the diagnosis. That’s why it’s very important that seniors get regular tests for Glaucoma so that eye doctors can find it early and possibly stop the progression of the damage.

 

Regular Eye Screenings Can Detect Glaucoma Early

One of the reasons why it’s so important for seniors to get regular eye exams is that during a regular eye exam the eye doctor can test for Glaucoma. The test where the eye doctor shoots a small puff of air into the eye isn’t pleasant but it can give the eye doctor what they need to catch Glaucoma early. And the earlier it can be diagnosed the greater the chance is that there may be something that can still be done to stop it. Your senior loved one should be getting an eye exam at least once a year. And your senior loved one should see the eye doctor if they experience any changes in their vision. If your senior parent has an elder care provider the elder care provider can let you know if your senior parent is showing any symptoms of Glaucoma or having vision changes

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Eating Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Help Prevent Glaucoma

There is not a lot that can be done to try and prevent Glaucoma but some research indicates that eating a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent Glaucoma. Omega 3 fatty acids are also excellent for keeping the brain healthy. Seniors can get Omega 3 fatty acids in foods like fish or they can take an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement.

 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Dartmouth, MA, please contact the caring staff at Cranberry Home Care today. 508-946-2200

 

Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27348527/