Seniors are at a higher risk of depression. But you might be surprised to learn that depression symptoms can be significantly worsened by eye conditions like cataracts. According to Nature, a major population study found that cataract surgery reduced the risk of depression by 25% in older adults compared to those who did not have surgery.
For seniors in Southern Pines, NC, suffering from diabetic cataracts can not only bring about vision loss, but it also introduces stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms. If you’re taking care of a loved one, understanding how diabetes impacts their eye health and sense of well-being is essential if you want to provide the right support.
Are you interested in learning more about diabetic cataracts and what you need to know about them? Read on to learn more about this crucial topic.
What Are Diabetic Cataracts?
Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, leading to cloudy or blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. Seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts because high blood sugar damages the proteins in the eye, making them more vulnerable to cataract development. According to the National Eye Institute, seniors with diabetes are much more susceptible to cataracts.
Families in Southern Pines should be vigilant for any unexpected vision changes in family members with diabetes, even if the diabetes appears to be under control.
Diabetes and Eye Health Connection
Scientists have extensively researched the link between diabetes and eye health. We understand that chronic high blood sugar can cause cumulative damage to the small blood vessels in the eye, which affect both the retina and the lens of the eye.
These symptoms tend to be much worse when diabetes is poorly managed. Therefore, families in Southern Pines should do what they can to manage the condition.
Not only does badly managed diabetes increase the risk of cataract, but it could also cause eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Good glycemic control is essential for those who have concerns about eye health, as it can slow cataract progression and reduce the risk of eye surgery.
Ophthalmologists always recommend that seniors with diabetes get annual eye exams. You should also take measures to protect your eyes in your daily life.
For example, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing sunglasses when you are out in sunlight can protect your eyes against various conditions.
Another way you can protect your eyes is by having the right diet. For instance, many doctors recommend eating fish.
Recognizing Diabetic Cataract Symptoms
The trouble with diabetic cataracts in seniors is that those affected may not notice the vision changes initially because they can be quite gradual. Often, people only seek help from an ophthalmologist after the condition has advanced quite significantly.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Clouded vision
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Faded colors
Unfortunately, many seniors hesitate to talk to their doctor about these symptoms because they interpret them as a part of normal aging. Family members play a key role in helping with senior eye health by noticing the signs of cataracts. Parents should watch seniors for behavioral signs.
Often, seniors will not talk about vision problems, but it will be evident in the way they act. For example, they may withdraw from activities that require good vision, such as reading or driving, and they may seem to have difficulty when navigating familiar spaces.
Of course, the best thing to do is to take out all the guesswork and to get regular eye exams, where seniors should openly discuss even the smallest vision concerns or changes. The detection of diabetic cataracts is essential, as it enables seniors to maintain their independence and live a good life.
Diabetes and Vision: The Emotional Impact
Cataracts negatively impact your vision, but they affect more than that; they also affect your emotions. Vision loss could cause seniors to feel isolated, anxious, and depressed, and they might respond to these frustrating health changes by withdrawing from their hobbies and social activities.
Of course, vision changes inevitably mean lifestyle changes, but seniors will often overestimate the impact, leading to emotional problems.
Having cataracts doesn’t mean being completely blind, and with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most seniors can continue living the kind of life they want to live.
You should encourage open conversations within your family about these issues and encourage the affected senior to be honest about their feelings and frustrations.
Seniors struggling with their emotions as a result of cataracts could benefit from attending support groups and counseling. It’s important to take a holistic approach to conditions like cataracts, and therefore, addressing the emotional aspect is just as important as managing physical symptoms.
Vision Support in Senior Living Communities
For seniors with vision problems, safety is a concern, particularly among those living in unsuitable homes. Senior living communities offer various assisted living wellness support options, and their staff are well-versed in managing eye care.
They not only ensure residents properly manage their cataract symptoms in aging, but also adapt the environment to be suitable for seniors with poor vision. This means removing hazards where possible or making them clearly visible.
Senior living communities also incorporate vision-friendly activities for those with poor eyesight. For example, caring staff might help residents access audiobooks and larger print books, or encourage more tactile hobbies.
Staying socially and mentally engaged promotes physical and mental well-being, making the management of diabetic cataracts much easier.
Come and Visit Our Community
It takes alertness and teamwork to deal with diabetic cataracts. By integrating consistent eye care, emotional support, and a secure living environment, seniors can maintain their quality of life. Families in Southern Pines should look for any early warning signs, encourage regular eye exams, and provide a safe environment for family members to deal with these changes.
Sometimes, seniors with diabetic cataracts need more support. Here at TerraBella Southern Pines, our dedicated team members are ready to help with all our residents’ needs. Our spacious and carefully designed apartments are perfect for seniors experiencing vision problems.
Want to see them for yourself? Contact us today and let’s schedule a tour.
