Tips to Help a Loved One Diagnosed with Cataract
When you were young, your mom and dad were always there for you when you needed them. They helped and supported you in countless ways.
Now, as they age, it is your turn to help. Age brings many challenges, and one of these is a loss in vision clarity. Anyone over the age of 50 years can begin to have vision problems. These range from hazy vision to being unable to drive at night, seeing haloes around lights, needing brighter light to read, and even developing a fear of falling.
All these could be early signs of cataract. So how can you help? Here’s how:
So how can you help? Here’s how:
- Encourage a thorough eye check-up.
Persuade mom or dad to go for a complete eye examination. If they are diagnosed with cataract and the doctor recommends surgery, encourage them to act straightaway. - Learn more about cataract.
Use credible sources to understand what causes it, its symptoms, what happens during cataract surgery, and the innovative solutions available to restore vision clarity. - Reassure through knowledge.
The more you know and understand, the more you will be able to reassure your parents that cataract is often a part of ageing. It can be removed through safe, effective surgery that restores the joy of seeing and doing everything they love. - Consult the doctor for details.
Ask the doctor about the surgery process, the intraocular lenses (IOLs) available, and which ones would be the most suitable option for your parents. Again, rely on credible sources to learn more about these cataract solutions.
- Discuss the benefits of surgery.
If mom or dad wear spectacles, explain how cataract surgery can help them get rid of these. There are IOLs available that help people achieve spectacle independence. - Support their decision.
Understand the information and the eye surgeon’s recommendations. If they are worried about the cost of the IOL, encourage them to see the value of clear vision and independence over the cost. Remind them that they deserve the best vision medical science can offer. Help them make the right choice of IOL
Be there on the day of surgery.
Accompany them on the day of surgery. After surgery, take them home and make them comfortable. Make sure they follow all instructions about post-surgery care and remind them about their follow-up appointments.