What you Need to Know about Age-Related Macular Degeneration

February is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)/low vision awareness month. AMD is a condition that affects older adults as their macula begins to deteriorate over time. Though it rarely leads to total blindness, it can seriously impact vision. However, early detection and treatment can slow the progression and reduce the severity of vision loss.

What happens in AMD?

 There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. The majority of people get the dry form. With dry AMD, vision begins to decrease as small yellow deposits (drusen) form in the macula. As deposits increase, central vision gets increasingly distorted and blind spots may occur. In wet AMD, instead of yellow deposits forming, there is an abnormal growth of blood vessels that interferes with the macula. The blood vessels end up leaking and distorting vision. Scarring can lead to vision loss.

Symptoms of AMD

This condition can progress slowly or rapidly depending on the person. Some people hardly notice changes to their vision until they become more severe. Common symptoms include seeing blurry spots or changes in colors. This will occur within the central vision as opposed to peripheral vision. As the condition worsens, it can make activities such as reading, recognizing faces, driving, cooking, and writing more difficult. Risk factors include age, family history, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and smoking.

How it is diagnosed?

The eye doctor can usually detect issues during a routine eye exam. If AMD is suspected, they may conduct more thorough testing and evaluations to determine the extent and impact on vision. Angiography can identify the growth or leakage of blood vessels in the eye. Regular eye exams can help detect AMD early on and allow for more proactive treatment. This can protect remaining vision and potentially slow the progression of the condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment options will depend upon the type and severity of the AMD. Vitamins can be beneficial in supporting healthier vision and there are studies evaluating what combinations may be most effective. This can help in the early stages of AMD.

For more advanced cases, injections or medications can assist in preventing new blood vessels from forming or stopping leakage. In some cases this can reverse some vision loss. Laser therapy and laser surgery are two other options for dealing with abnormal blood vessels. They can be used to destroy problematic blood vessels or stop new ones from forming. Seniors may also benefit from assistive devices that enlarge objects so they are easier to see.

Because AMD does not generally lead to complete blindness, seniors can often learn to adapt. They may need to make some modifications, but by being proactive they can preserve as much vision as possible. For those who do have more serious central vision loss, assistance from an in-home caregiver can support them in staying safe while remaining more independent.

Regular eye exams can help prevent or detect many vision problems before they become more noticeable. Keep your eyes healthy by getting them checked and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

As people age they face a variety of potential vision problems. While some of these are able to be reversed or corrected, others are not. Glaucoma is one vision problem that does not have a cure, but with early detection, seniors can strive to protect their remaining vision and slow the progression of the disease.

What is Glaucoma?

There is a constant cycle of fluid that runs through the eye. When this fluid gets trapped and builds up, it causes increased pressure which can damage the optic nerve. In turn, this causes vision impairment. Oftentimes peripheral vision in the first to be affected, but eventually it can affect central vision as well.

Treating Glaucoma

There are several different treatment options available to help preserve vision and reduce eye pressure. Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual’s condition, one or more treatments may be administered.

• Eye Drops: One of the most common forms of treatment for early stages of glaucoma is eye drops. These medicated drops help to reduce pressure within the eye.
• Medication: Sometimes medication is given to help stabilize eye pressure or reduce fluid production in the eye. This can help to alleviate backup and therefore pressure.
• Traditional Surgery: Surgery can be used to help the flow and drainage of fluid through the eye. The surgeon will generally construct a new pathway for fluid drainage using a tiny piece of tissue.
• Laser Surgery: During laser surgery, the opening through which fluid drains is gently widened to allow fluid to pass more easily. This can reduce pressure by alleviating fluid buildup.

The type of glaucoma will also play a role in which type of treatment is recommended. Following treatment the condition will be closely monitored to see how it has responded and if further intervention is necessary. Medications and eye drops should be used consistently to provide ongoing support for pressure stabilization and fluid reduction. The symptoms of glaucoma are not always readily apparent, so being proactive can help minimize risk and impact.

Regular eye exams can help to detect glaucoma early on and allow seniors to be more proactive in protecting their vision. They should be sure to notify their doctor of any changes in vision that they notice so that it can be evaluated and monitored. Even if they feel their vision has not changed, regular examinations can detect other changes or potential issues.

Researchers are continually looking for new ways to treat and prevent vision loss, but currently there is no cure for glaucoma. Staying alert to vision changes and using medication and eye drops as prescribed can help to delay progression and support quality of life.

6 Ways to Ease Arthritis Pain

Arthritis can be a frustrating and painful condition that affects quality of life for many elderly adults. While it can affect people of all ages, it tends to be more prevalent in those who are older. Joints become stiff and painful which makes it more difficult to carry out different tasks and sometimes even to move comfortably. Everyone responds slightly differently to various treatments and what works well for one person may not be as effective for the next. However, here are a few strategies to try for alleviating your arthritis pain:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put more stress on your joints and also make it more difficult to stay active. As you lose weight, you may notice relief and a decrease in symptoms. Strive to make healthy choices and keep your weight in check.

2. Engage in low-impact exercise. Staying active can improve mobility and decrease pain. Gentle stretches and low-impact exercises can strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. Start with stretches in the morning and then continue periodically throughout the day. Try to refrain from long periods of sitting. Activities such as swimming and cycling can also be easier on your joints while keeping you active.

3. Get a massage. Massage therapy can stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It can also help decrease joint stiffness. Find a therapist who is experienced in working with those who have arthritis.

4. Apply heat. A heating pad or relaxing in a warm bath can soothe sore joints. Be careful not to make them too hot or leave the heating pad on for more than 20 minutes to prevent burns.

5. Take anti-inflammatory medication. There are several anti-inflammatory medications tailored specifically toward those with arthritis. Your doctor can also prescribe medicine. Reducing inflammation in your joints can ease stiffness, relieve pain, and make movement more comfortable. In addition, there are many foods that also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help seniors to be proactive in coping with arthritis.

6. Use topical ointments. There are also topical ointments that you can apply directly to painful areas. They are absorbed directly into the skin and can temporarily relieve pain.

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your doctor may recommend different strategies or medications. Incorporating healthy foods and regular exercise into your daily routine can help to keep joints looser and inflammation down. Try several approaches to figure out what works best for your situation. Arthritis does not have to keep you from doing things that you enjoy and staying as active as possible. With some strategic planning and modifications, you can continue to engage in many activities and minimize pain.

Tips for Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter is known for bringing colder temperatures and snowy and icy weather which can pose dangers to seniors. However, with it also comes fewer hours of daylight. It is normal to feel slightly dismal with the change in seasons, but when this gloominess is hard to shake, it can be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some common symptoms of SAD include depression, fatigue, decreased energy, and increased appetite. Although SAD can strike at any point during the year, it is often associated with the winter when there is less daylight.

Fortunately there are many ways in which you can help your senior ward off the effects of SAD:

• Socialize

Spend more time visiting your aging parent or arrange for them to do things with others. There are many community groups and activities that they can get involved in to have fun and enjoy the company. Just being around different people, talking, and laughing can boost their mood.

• Increased exposure to light

Getting out and enjoying the sunshine, even for just a short amount of time each day, can help people to feel better. A light therapy box can also be effective by providing different wavelengths that simulate the sun. Just 30 minutes of exposure each day can improve energy and elevate mood. Open the blinds and let the natural light flow in as much as possible as well.

• Engage in favorite activities

Fight feelings of depression by doing things that you enjoy. Perhaps it is reading, watching a favorite movie, listening to music, knitting, building with your hands, or taking pictures. Staying active and getting involved can keep feelings of depression at bay.

• Get moving

Exercise is an effective way of boosting endorphins, a natural mood enhancer. Whether taking a brisk walk outside or on the treadmill, participating in an exercise class, going to the gym, or working out at home, it’s important to keep your body moving. This can also help to better manage weight as a result of increased appetite.

• Antidepressants

Some people find that an antidepressant can help them to push through their Seasonal Affective Disorder until the next change in seasons. It can reduce feelings of depression and stabilize mood allowing seniors to get more enjoyment out of their day.

Be alert to how your elderly parent’s mood may change during each season. If you notice that they seem down and depressed during the winter, consider the possibility that they may have SAD. Even if they don’t, being proactive and engaging in activities to help boost their mood can be beneficial regardless. If you worry about them spending time alone or not being able to get to and from activities, consider investing in in-home care services to offer companionship and assistance. Then you can have peace of mind that someone else is also looking out for their best interest.

Protecting Vision During Aging

As you age, vision can naturally begin to deteriorate. There are a number of age-related eye diseases that can impact vision and quality of life. While it is not always possible to fully prevent these diseases from occurring, there are ways that you can be proactive to reduce the damage caused and keep your eyes healthier.

Get regular eye exams: One of the best ways to protect your eyes is to have yearly examinations. The eye doctor can detect issues early on and recommend changes or treatment to protect and improve vision. Certain health conditions or medications may make it even more important to engage in regular screenings and monitoring.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients supports better eye health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of beneficial antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. If you are concerned that you are not getting adequate amounts of these nutrients, talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking a multivitamin or supplement to support better health.

Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Summer is not the only time when bright sunlight is a risk. The sun’s rays can reflect off of the snow, sand, and water year round. Wraparound sunglasses also protect your eyes from light entering from the side. A hat can help to shade your eyes and face from the sunlight. Make sure that your sunglasses offer UV protection.

Reduce eyestrain: If watching TV, using the computer, or reading, give your eyes a break. Stop every 15 to 30 minutes to focus your eyes on something else and let them rest. Sit near a light or window so that you are not straining to see in dimly lit areas.

Quit smoking: Not only is smoking bad for your health in general, it can have a negative impact on your vision. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can reduce blood flow to the eyes. This can contribute to an increased risk of many eye problems including glaucoma, cataracts, age related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, and more.

Making simple changes such as these to your lifestyle can help to protect your vision and overall health. It is not too late to adopt healthier habits and become more proactive in supporting your vision. Vision problems can reduce quality of life and impact safety, so staying on top of any changes can help to slow progression before it becomes more serious. If you do suffer from vision loss, assistance through an in-home care provider can help you to adjust and maintain your independence and safety for as long as possible.