Glaucoma, Warning Signs, and Some Things the Elder Care Provider Can Do to Support the Patient near San Manuel, AZ

There are different types of glaucoma that are important to know about, especially when providing any type of elder care. There is open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and Nail-Patella syndrome.

Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of this condition. The drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked and this can lead to increased pressure on the optic nerve. The optic nerve damage and loss of vision is gradual and often painless. Most people don’t realize they are experiencing this type of glaucoma until the optic nerve is significantly damaged.

Angle closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes narrowed and eventually completely blocked. When the drainage angle of the eye is completely blocked, the pressure in the eye can build up rapidly. With this condition, severe eye pain, headaches, rainbow halos around lights, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision are all possible. If an ophthalmologist is not contacted as soon as possible and treats this angle closure glaucoma, it can lead to blindness.

Nail-Patella syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. It can also cause abnormalities in the bones, joints, kidneys, and fingernails. It is most commonly seen in newborns.

There are other types of glaucoma, but these are the most common ones to be aware of as an elderly home care provider.

How to Support the Patient

Knowing some of the early warning signs can be highly beneficial. Glaucoma is a type of condition that if not treated early can lead to blindness. An elderly home care provider may witness some of the common early warning signs, and if they have any concerns or questions, they should discuss them with the elderly individual and encourage him or her to make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist.

Some potential warning signs could include:

·      Difficulty adjusting to darker rooms.

·      Having trouble focusing on objects either close or in the distance.

·      Experiencing an unusual sensitivity to light or glare.

·      Changing color of the iris.

·      Swollen eyelids.

·      Double vision.

·      Pain that continually recurs around the eyes.

·      Dark spots in the center of the viewing field.

If any of the following potential warning signs are evident, it could require emergency medical care as soon as possible:

·      The sudden loss of vision in one eye.

·      Experiencing flashing lights or black spots suddenly.

·      Seeing halos around light fixtures.

·      Blurred vision or hazy vision that occurs suddenly.

If the elder care provider notices any of these potential problems arising with the patient, they should encourage them to contact their doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Long term prognosis improves the earlier that problems are addressed

If you or an aging loved on are considering elder care services in the home, please contact the caring staff at Total Care Connections (520) 447-4711. We provide quality Home Care & Assisted Living Placement Serving Tucson, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and Surrounding Areas!