Advice for Caregivers during Cataract Awareness Month

It can be rewarding and exhausting at the same time.

In the midst of caring for others, it is essential to remember your own health needs as well. June is Cataract Awareness Month. This condition affects one in every six Americans over the age of 40. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens, a condition which is unnoticeable at first but can lead to complete vision loss if left untreated.

The development of a cataract is slow, which means it probably will not cause sudden vision changes. Over time, however, objects will appear more blurry, colors will look faded, and seeing at night will be increasingly difficult. The best gift that you can give is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for yourself and your loved one. During your eye exam, your doctor will be able to diagnose refractive errors, focusing problems and eye diseases such as cataracts. This means that you both can leave the eye care center with the most updated information on your eye health. If either of you is developing a cataract, your doctor can present treatment options and a timeline that fits your schedule and budget.

Being a caregiver is one of the most important jobs that exists, so don’t let cataracts get in the way. Compromised vision puts your loved one at risk for a debilitating fall or another type of accident in the home. For you as a caregiver, cataracts could prevent you from being able to drive at night or react quickly in an emergency. Take a proactive step toward eye health and schedule two comprehensive eye exams in the month of June. You’ll be glad you did. Thank you for all you do as a loving caregiver.