Astigmatism is a type of vision problem that tends to worsen with age. It happens when the clear, rounded surface of the cornea or the lens develops a slight imperfection. This uneven surface distorts light as it enters the eye and alters vision. Fortunately, astigmatism is treatable. Seniors can wear corrective lenses or get surgery to reshape the warped eye surface. Normally, astigmatism isn’t diagnosed unless a senior gets an eye exam, but the following symptoms may warn caregivers that their aging loved ones’ eyesight is compromised.
Headaches
Seniors with astigmatism often have to strain their eyes to focus on blurred objects. This causes severe eye strain that often results in a pounding headache or a dull throbbing feeling behind the eyes. If your loved one complains about a persistent ache behind his or her eyes, make an appointment with an optometrist.
Blurred Vision
Blurry vision is normally just a sign of nearsightedness or farsightedness, but astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. Whether an object is close up or far away, your loved one may notice it looks blurry or fuzzy. Unlike what’s common with cataracts, this blurred vision won’t seem foggy or filmy.
Vision issues can make it difficult for seniors to complete everyday tasks on their own. The type of home care San Diego seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Warped Vision
The vision defects caused by astigmatism are often compared to a funhouse mirror. When the cornea is warped by a defect or injury, it can make objects appear abnormally tall, thin, short, or wide. Ask your loved one to describe what he or she sees when reading or watching TV and note it for the optometrist.
A home caregiver can monitor your loved one for signs of a variety of conditions, including early symptoms of vision issues. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Unusual Face & Head Movements
Seniors with astigmatism may unconsciously adjust their posture and movements to compensate for the blurred vision. Sometimes, tilting the head a certain way or squinting the eyes can reduce the degree of blurriness caused by astigmatism.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Since astigmatism tends to worsen over time, seniors may not actually realize their vision is blurring. However, they’ll have more difficulty seeing at night and in dimly lit areas because they cannot use the differences in colors to distinguish objects from one another.
Seniors with vision problems often benefit from having a helping hand around the home. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. San Diego in-home care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. Call us today to create a customized in-home care plan.
