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Macular Degeneration: Is Your Dad at Risk?

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that comes in two forms: wet or dry. With both, permanent vision loss occurs over time. Learn more about it.

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that comes in two forms: wet or dry. In the wet form, blood vessels form below the retina and begin to leak blood and other fluids. The dry version occurs when macular tissue degrades. With both, permanent vision loss occurs over time. In-home care providers can act as a support when this condition exists.

In-Home Care Pompano Beach FL – Macular Degeneration: Is Your Dad at Risk?

The older you are, the higher the risk. People who are overweight, smoke, have heart disease, are malnourished (specifically fruits and vegetables), or have high cholesterol also have a higher risk.

Caught early, vision can be protected for as long as possible. There’s no cure, but routine eye exams that check for signs of macular degeneration are essential. If your dad isn’t getting yearly eye exams, he needs to start.

What Are the Symptoms?

Many of the symptoms of macular degeneration are not noticeable until the disease is progressing. Dry macular degeneration symptoms include:

  • Blurriness or blind spots when looking straight ahead
  • Difficulty with vision shifts when going into a dimly lit area
  • Dull colors
  • A haziness to normal sight

Wet macular degeneration is less common and shares many of the same symptoms. There are a few additions.

  • Dull colors
  • Loss of central vision
  • Rapidly changing vision
  • Wavy appearance to straight objects like posts or door frames

What Happens If He’s Diagnosed With Macular Degeneration?

If your dad is diagnosed, he needs to follow his eye doctor’s instructions. He may be told to start taking multivitamins for the eyes that include beta carotene, lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

If your dad has high blood pressure, he needs to lower his numbers. This may mean taking blood pressure medications or lowering his salt intake. He needs to eat a balanced diet with whole grains, plenty of fresh produce, and fatty fish.

He Needs Support from In-Home Care

You can’t cure macular degeneration, but your dad can slow vision loss. Make sure he takes any prescribed medications on time and every day. He needs to keep each eye appointment and not start skipping them again.

Your dad may be unable to drive when he has macular degeneration. Make sure he has a driver for his appointments, to accompany him on errands, and when he wants to get out of the house. In-home care services help with this.

He can have a caregiver with him each day to help him around the home. That’s important as his vision diminishes. His caregiver can hand him products when he’s showering and make sure he’s using shampoo for his hair and not shaving cream. He’ll have a helping hand when stepping out of the shower and getting dressed.

Call our in-home care specialist to learn more about the benefits of in-home care aides after a macular degeneration diagnosis. You’ll find out more about the availability of services, the cost, and how to get started.

If you or a family member need to hire In-Home Care Services in Pompano Beach FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. We provide service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.

Stephen Sternbach

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