Glaucoma is the Thief of Sight for Aging Adults
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Glaucoma is the Thief of Sight for Aging Adults
A private caregiver Damey and I know told us about two recent visits she had to her optometrist. The first appointment consisted of a series of tests using sophisticated diagnostic equipment to check her field of vision and capture images of her inner eyes and optic nerves.
The second appointment involved a glaucoma test, routine eye chart exams, and a report of the results from the previous tests. Fortunately, she learned that her vision had not changed much since 2024, and the pressure in her eyes had dropped, meaning a potential glaucoma diagnosis she had expected and feared was not imminent.
Her father had glaucoma, so the genetic risk factor has always been a concern. As her Dad aged, his vision became significantly impaired, and she was worried that she would suffer the same fate.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and it is important to review more about this sight-stealing condition known as the “thief of sight” so aging adults at risk for glaucoma can take action to prevent it and preserve their vision.
Glaucoma & Eye Specialists in Canton explains, “Glaucoma is an eye disease that, if caught early, can be controlled but can cause blindness. It often has no symptoms, so eye exams should be a part of your regular medical plan. Glaucoma begins when pressure builds up in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve.”
Two types of glaucoma are:
Open-Angle Glaucoma – The most common form, open-angle glaucoma occurs when pressure builds because fluid does not drain properly from the eye. The accumulated fluid causes gradual peripheral vision loss, which may not be noticeable.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma – The most serious form of glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma happens rapidly when fluid drainage from the eye is blocked. The pressure builds quickly causing blurred vision and rainbow halos around lights. Closed-angle glaucoma may cause blindness.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but some patients have greater risk factors:
- Aging adults
- African American adults
- Genetics or Heredity
- Eye Injuries
- Diabetes and/or High Blood Pressure
Glaucoma & Eye Specialists suggest, “Regular eye exams are the best way to prevent glaucoma. Dr. Manal H. Assaad is highly skilled at conducting eye exams to check eye pressure, view drainage areas of the optic nerve, and check your visual field. She is also Canton's most trustworthy and reputable Glaucoma Specialist.”
Treating glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure to help prevent or slow vision loss. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, Dr. Assaad, or your preferred vision specialist, will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment options may include more frequent eye exams, medications, and advanced procedures. Medications such as eye drops or oral pills are often used to reduce eye pressure or decrease fluid production in the eye. In addition, Dr. Assaad specializes in glaucoma surgery and advanced laser treatments to effectively manage the disease and protect your vision.
Damey and I have extensive experience matching compassionate caregivers with seniors living with glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other forms of visual impairment. The professional caregivers at Home Helpers provide essential support for individuals who struggle with daily tasks due to limited vision, such as reading prescription labels, taking medications correctly, and applying prescribed eye drops as part of their treatment plan.
A compassionate Home Helpers caregiver can provide in-home care and assistance with activities of daily living for you or a senior you know with glaucoma or other visual impairments. Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and discuss all the ways we can make life easier.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County, including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
Source: