Our sight is a precious gift, and for many seniors, it’s the one sense they value most. Good vision helps them stay connected with others, enjoy activities, and find enrichment even when mobility is limited. Home care providers play an important role in supporting these connections by helping seniors maintain routines that keep them engaged and confident in daily life.
Unfortunately, older adults are also the most likely to face eye diseases that can threaten their sight if left untreated. Glaucoma, a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, is especially common in seniors. With the guidance of home care providers, seniors can benefit from reminders about eye exams, assistance with medication, and support that helps protect their vision and overall well-being.
Glaucoma Damages Eyesight
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases and causes damage to the optic nerve by pressing on it. This damage can create blind spots in vision. The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain, so when it’s not working properly, the brain cannot “see” through the eye anymore. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
- Age is the biggest risk. It is most common in those over 55.
- It is more common in certain segments of the population, such as Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics.
- Those with extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness are more likely to develop it.
- A family history of glaucoma can increase the risk.
- Certain health conditions can increase the possibility of glaucoma developing. Common conditions that may increase the likelihood of glaucoma include diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, and migraines.
- A previous eye injury or surgery.
Glaucoma Symptoms
The symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on which type of glaucoma it is and how far it has advanced. If your loved one has any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
- Patchy blind spots around the peripheral areas of his vision. This refers to the outer edges of vision, not directly in front of him.
- Eye pain
- Recurring headaches with eye pain.
- Seeing halos or colored rings around lights.
- The eyes are red and irritated.
- Blurred vision that eventually reaches the central part of vision.
Living with Glaucoma with the Help of Home Care
The best way to determine if your loved one has glaucoma is to have them get regular eye exams each year. If not detected early on, the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. But if it is detected early on, medications and surgery can help reduce the amount of pressure in the eye and reduce the amount of damage done to the optic nerve going forward.
If your loved one sustains some permanent damage from glaucoma, he might find himself in need of some home care assistance if he wants to continue to live independently in his home. He might need help performing certain chores, and he might even lose his ability to drive.
A home care team will step in and make sure he can care for his home and himself safely. The home care team will customize their care of your loved one to meet his needs – both where he is at today and how those needs might change in the future.
Glaucoma can add some obstacles in life, but with a good support team, your loved one can continue to enjoy and appreciate the world around them.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Lone Tree, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, today. Call (303) 647-1800
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Denver, CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, and surrounding areas in Colorado.
- Companion Care Makes Holidays Less Lonely For Seniors - November 7, 2025
- Home Care Is The Solution For Seniors Who Want To Live Alone - October 23, 2025
- Small Routines, Big Results: Dental Care Tips for Seniors at Home - October 9, 2025