What Are the Biggest Risk Factors for Cataracts?
Home care supports seniors protecting their vision and eye health with age
Cataracts are a film that grows over the lens of the eye, gradually clouding vision. They often occur as seniors age, making everyday activities more difficult to manage. Age isn’t the only contributing factor for cataracts, though, and some of the risk factors can be either reduced or avoided. Understanding these risks better can help seniors protect their eyes as they age. Home care providers can offer support as seniors work to keep their eyes healthier.
Family History
Genetics definitely plays a role in whether seniors develop cataracts or not. If close family members develop cataracts, seniors may have a higher likelihood of developing them themselves. Family history can’t be changed, but knowing this information can help seniors remember to get their eyes examined regularly.
Home care providers can also help seniors to focus on the risk factors they can control.
Age
As the eye’s natural lens ages, it becomes more prone to clouding. Most cataracts develop extremely slowly over time, only becoming noticeable as they start to thicken. Aging can’t be prevented, but seniors can maintain healthy habits to try to stay as healthy as possible. Following up regularly with healthcare providers can help.
Sun Damage
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays outside is another contributing factor to cataract formation. UV light damages the proteins in the lens of the eye, increasing the risk of cataracts over time.
Wearing eye protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays can help. Home care providers can help seniors remember their sunglasses.
Eye Injuries
Previous eye injuries might increase the risk of cataracts, too. Eye trauma can damage the lens and other parts of the eye, leading to clouding over time. Protecting the eyes during risky activities, like gardening, can help.
Staying aware of possible safety risks reduces the chance seniors experience all sorts of injuries.
Diabetes
Diabetes might not seem like something that would cause damage to the eye, but it definitely can. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and regular checkups helps to reduce complications.
Home care providers can help seniors to adopt lifestyle changes that make it easier for them to manage their diabetes.
Smoking
When seniors smoke, they open the door to all sorts of health issues, including increasing the risk that they’ll develop cataracts. The chemicals that cigarette manufacturers add to tobacco cause damage to proteins in the eye and speed up cataract formation.
If seniors manage to quit smoking, their overall health can improve significantly. Smoking affects circulation, heart health, and so much more. Seniors can talk to their doctors for ideas about how to quit.
While some of the risk factors related to cataracts aren’t ones that seniors can change, staying aware of what contributes to cataract formation gives seniors a chance to adopt habits that matter. Home care providers can help seniors to preserve their eyesight and stay as independent as possible for a long time to come. They can also remind seniors to get to the eye doctor regularly for exams.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Hanover, PA, please get in touch with us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions.
In-Home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.
A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.
As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.
We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.