Millions of people suffer from some level of vision impairment. It can make it hard to read the fine print on paperwork and labels, read a book, or drive a car. For February’s Low Vision Awareness Month, it’s important to understand what can make your dad’s vision worsen and how you can ensure he has the help he needs.

Causes of Low Vision

Birth defects are one reason low vision happens. If your dad’s vision is only recently diminishing, it could be an injury to the eye or one of several eye diseases. These five diseases are the most common reason for low vision.

#1 – Cataracts: When a cloudy film forms over the eye’s lens, it’s known as cataracts. Surgery can correct it, but it may impact your dad’s ability to drive at night or before the sun rises.

#2 – Diabetic Retinopathy: When diabetic retinopathy is present, it’s caused by leaking blood vessels that provide blood to the retina. Proper diabetes management is the best way to prevent this form of vision loss.

#3 – Glaucoma: Pressure within the eye that’s abnormal can press on the optic nerve and cause damage by restricting blood flow. It can lead to difficulty with peripheral vision and night vision. Medications to lower the pressure may be necessary.

#4 – Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration occurs when the retina starts to deteriorate and causes blurred vision or blind spots in the central area of vision. It may prevent your dad from driving, reading, or seeing images in front of him.

#5 – Presbyopia: Many adults suffer from presbyopia as they reach middle age. You may experience it yourself. You can still see most things, but you cannot see the fine print on medication bottles, food labels, or documents without grabbing magnifying glasses.

Regular Eye Exams Are Important

Make sure your dad goes for regular eye exams. He needs to go each year and have his ocular pressure measured and have his eyes checked for these common eye diseases and conditions. If diagnosed early, many of these problems can be corrected or have their progression slowed down.

He will need someone to drive him to the appointments. He needs to have sunglasses with him to wear on the way home due to the medications used to dilate the eyes. If you can’t go with him, make sure he has a home care services care aide who can drive him home and help him into the house.

Home care services help with more than transportation. Caregivers offer companionship. They can help your dad shop for groceries and do the housework. Call our home care services agency to learn more.

If you or a family member are in need of hiring Home Care Services in Coconut Creek FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

Latest posts by Stephen Sternbach (see all)

• Ways To Help A Senior Parent Living in Another State - November 18, 2024
• Tips That Can Help Seniors With Psoriasis - November 12, 2024
• Benefits of Customized Health Plans for Seniors Aging in Place - November 4, 2024