Astigmatism is a form of eyesight disorder that worsens with age. It occurs when the clean, rounded surface of the cornea or lens develops a little flaw. This uneven surface bends light as it reaches the eye, causing vision to be altered. Astigmatism, fortunately, is curable. Corrective lenses or surgery may be used to reshape the distorted eye surface in seniors. A home care services aide can help by handling driving situations.
It isn’t something that is deadly, but if your senior does not go to the eye doctor, it can make living at home a lot harder to do. If your senior has a home care provider, it is time to ask them to drive your senior to the eye doctor for an exam. Astigmatism is often not detected until a senior has an eye test, but the following signs may alert caretakers that their aging loved one’s vision is deteriorating.
Home Care May Notice Your Senior May Complain of Headaches
Astigmatic seniors often have to strain their eyes to concentrate on fuzzy things. This produces extreme eye strain, constantly generating a pounding headache or a dull throbbing sensation behind the eyes. Make an appointment with an optometrist if your loved one complains of a persistent aching behind their eyes. If your senior is struggling to see, you may need to provide them with a ride to the doctor or set up home care to do it for them. This will ensure they get to the eye doctor safely.
They May Experience Blurry Vision
Normally, blurred vision indicates nearsightedness or farsightedness, while astigmatism produces blurred vision at all distances. Your loved one may notice an item, whether close up or far away, seems hazy or fuzzy. Unlike cataracts, this obscured vision will not seem blurry or filmy.
They May Start Squinting and May Get Headaches From Eye Strain
Believe it or not, squinting is not normal when it happens every day. If they are squinting to see something, it can be a sign home care needs to pay attention to. Your senior loved one may need to visit the eye doctor to check out. Sometimes eyes weaken as your body ages, but those changes may need extra help from a doctor.
When a senior squints to see things, it can cause massive eye strain. This eye strain can lead to migraines or headaches, making it hard for them to do things. Headaches that get severe can cause seniors to lose their independence and not feel well. It can even impact their moods. If your senior is squinting and getting headaches, they need to go to the eye doctor even if they have glasses. As a person ages, their vision may change, so even if they have glasses does not mean they won’t need a new prescription later on.
They May Not Be Able To See At Night
A senior with astigmatism may not be able to see at night. Astigmatic individuals often claim that it is more challenging to see and concentrate at night than during the day. This is because the pupil dilates in dim light to allow more light into the eye for vision.