Question

In 150 words, what are ways to teach family and caregivers for an elderly patient with cataracts

Answer 1

A cataract is an opacification of the lens of the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may include faded colors, blurry or double vision, halos around light, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at night.

Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. The underlying mechanism involves accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment in the lens that reduces transmission of light to the retina at the back of the eye.

Risk for Cataracts

While cataracts can come on in middle-age, the risk increases as we grow older. In addition to age, risk factors include diseases like diabetes, smoking and alcohol use, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce risk factors, as can a nutritious diet, including fruit, leafy green vegetables, and other antioxidant-rich foods.

Wondering whether your aging loved one might be suffering from cataracts? Cloudy or blurred vision is a common symptom. Additionally, seeing faded colors, glare, poor night vision, double vision, and frequent prescription changes to lenswear can indicate cataracts or an alternate eye problem.

Prevention of Cataracts

1. Eat a diet high in fruits and green leafy vegetables. Good nutrition is important for maintaining the health of the eyes. The National Eye Institute states a diet high in antioxidants may slow the development of cataracts.
2. Have eyes checked regularly to find cataracts.
3. Limit alcohol use.
4. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
5. Protect the eyes. The eyes are vulnerable to damage from the sun. The ultraviolet rays can lead to faster development of cataracts. When out in the sun, make sure to wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses.
6. Quit smoking. Smoking limits the amount of oxygen to sensitive areas like the eyes and causes faster vision loss.

Treatment of Cataracts

The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery. 90% of people who have cataract surgery experience improved vision.

Cataract surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure. The eye is numbed but the patient may still be awake. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a permanent artificial lens. When cataracts are present in both eyes, two separate surgery dates will be booked.

Recovery time is estimated at 6-8 weeks. Your loved one may benefit from additional help during the recovery time, including help with household chores, meal preparation and taking prescription eyedrops. Remember that blurred vision immediately following the surgery is common, but as the eye adjusts to the artificial lens, vision will often become brighter and clearer.