Blindness Awareness Month: Leading Causes of Vision Loss

By James Hughes | October 9, 2023 |

Home Care Assistance in Spanish Fort AL

October marks the 14th anniversary of Blindness Awareness Month, a month-long awareness event started by a foundation for children with vision loss. Vision loss is possible at any age, and over 1 million adults aged 40 or older have vision loss.

That number is expected to double by the 2050s as Baby Boomers reach older age. Older adults are especially susceptible to these four eye health conditions.

The Four Leading Causes of Vision Loss in the Elderly

What are the four leading causes of vision loss? None of them have cures, so it’s important to go for regular eye exams to catch them in the earliest stages and slow their progression.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

This eye disease affects more than 1.4 million Americans over the age of 60. It’s a condition when aging thins the macula or blood vessels form abnormally and impact the macula, which impacts central vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts are extremely common with more than 20.5 million adults affected. It involves the development of a white, cloudy film over the lens. Smoking, diabetes, and failure to protect the eyes from bright sunlight are all linked to causing this disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetics have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become blocked or start to leak blood. Proper management of blood sugar levels is the key to preventing this disease.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma impacts at least 2.2 million adults, but it’s believed another 2 million don’t realize they have it. It occurs when blockages slow or stop the normal draining of fluid from the eye and create too much pressure, which damages the optic nerve. Having a healthy blood pressure is critical for people with glaucoma.

How Do You Help Your Dad?

Prevention isn’t always possible, but management of these eye diseases are essential. Your dad needs to see an eye doctor each year to have his vision checked and dilated eye exams to look at the vessel’s health.

If he learns he has an eye health issue, make sure he listens to his doctor and does what’s expected. This can include a healthy diet, wearing strong sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and taking medications that help manage the condition.

When his vision worsens to the point he cannot drive, ensure he has rides to appointments and help run errands. He may want help with meals, housekeeping, and exercise routines. Make sure you arrange that.

Arrange home care assistance to help your dad around the home. His caregivers can keep his home clean and make sure clutter is out of the way. They can cook meals, shop for him, and drive him around town.

Home care assistance is possible each day, a few days a week, or once a week to give you a break. Learn more about this essential home care assistance service by making a call.

If you or someone you know needs Home Care Assistance in Spanish Fort, AL, please contact the friendly caregivers at  Hughes Home Care. We provide quality and affordable care for your elderly loved ones in our community. Call Us Today at 251-517-9901. Serving Mobile & Baldwin County.

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James Hughes

Owner at Hughes Home Care

James Hughes is a graduate of The University of Alabama (Health Care Administration), the University Of Alabama, Birmingham (Physical Therapy) and is a Navy veteran.

He has three teenage children and are actively involved in their church and community – James coach’s youth football, basketball and baseball and serves at 3 Circle Church. He is a member of the Fairhope Youth Football Board and the Rock Creek POA Board.

It is his passion and commitment to providing quality and responsive service that has made their company the fastest growing home care agency in South Alabama.

He believes that being an independently owned and operated company gives him the flexibility to manage his business in a way that better serves their clients.

He understands that you have a choice of care providers and he will do his utmost to earn your trust.