Steps to Thrive While Living with Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma might sound daunting, but with the proper steps, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a fulfilling and active lifestyle. 

You can keep thriving while managing this condition by focusing on safety, staying proactive about your health, and leaning on the support of experts like us at Always Best Care of Shreveport.

Understanding Glaucoma and Its Impact

Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and potentially damaging the optic nerve. This can lead to vision changes that might make everyday tasks feel trickier. 

Partnering With Your Eye Care Professional

Your eye doctor is your partner in controlling glaucoma. 

Follow the prescribed treatment plan for eye drops, surgery, or other interventions. 

Think of these visits as wellness check-ins for your eyes—a chance to stay on track and address any concerns before they become more significant issues.

Bathroom Safety: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Vision changes from glaucoma can make navigating the bathroom more challenging, but a few simple adjustments can significantly improve safety and convenience. 

Here’s how you can make your bathroom a safer and more user-friendly space:

1. Install Grab Bars
   • Place grab bars near the toilet, shower, or bathtub to provide sturdy support.
   • These bars help prevent slips and falls by offering something to hold onto when standing, sitting, or moving around.
2. Use Non-Slip Mats
   • To reduce the risk of slipping, position non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the shower, bathtub, and tiled floors.
   • Opt for mats with textured surfaces for added grip, especially in wet or humid conditions.
3. Upgrade the Lighting
   • Bright lighting is crucial for those with vision changes. Install motion-sensor lights that automatically turn on when you enter the bathroom.
   • Add task lighting around mirrors and sinks to make activities like shaving or brushing teeth easier.
4. Organize Toiletries Strategically
   • Keep frequently used items, like soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes, in easy-to-reach locations.
   • Use labeled or color-coded containers to quickly identify products, reducing the risk of mishaps.
5. Install a Raised Toilet Seat
   • A raised toilet seat with side handles can make sitting and standing more manageable, especially for those with mobility challenges.
   • This simple addition reduces strain and provides extra support.
6. Choose a Handheld Showerhead
   • A handheld showerhead allows for greater control while bathing, minimizing movement and reducing the chance of falls.
   • Pair it with a sturdy shower chair for added safety and convenience.
7. Secure Rugs and Mats
   • If you use bathroom rugs, ensure they have non-slip backing, or use rug grips to keep them in place.
   • Avoid loose or lightweight rugs that can bunch up and create tripping hazards.
8. Install Anti-Scald Devices
   • Protect sensitive skin by installing anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads to regulate water temperature and prevent burns.

Spotting the Signs of Senior Decline

Living with glaucoma can sometimes bring other signs of aging into sharper focus. It’s not uncommon for vision challenges to uncover or exacerbate other age-related concerns. 

Here are some key changes to watch for and why they matter:

1. Frequent Forgetfulness
   Misplacing everyday items, forgetting appointments, or struggling to remember recent conversations can indicate more than “senior moments.” These could be early signs of cognitive decline, such as dementia or other memory-related conditions.
2. Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
   Challenges with activities like cooking, cleaning, or even personal grooming may indicate declining motor skills or coordination. These tasks can become especially difficult if glaucoma has affected the patient’s ability to see details.
3. A Sudden Lack of Interest in Hobbies
   Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as gardening, reading, or crafting, can be a red flag. It may signal feelings of isolation, depression, or frustration caused by vision changes or other health concerns.
4. Reduced Mobility or Frequent Falls
   Mobility struggles, such as difficulty walking or increased falls, can be tied to vision or balance problems. These can put seniors at greater risk of injury and signal a need for additional support.
5. Social Withdrawal
   Avoiding social interactions or skipping family gatherings might point to feelings of embarrassment about vision loss or physical changes. It could also indicate anxiety, depression, or a lack of confidence in navigating social situations.

Healthy Habits for Happy Eyes

A healthy lifestyle benefits your whole body, but it’s essential for keeping your eyes in great shape. Small daily habits can go a long way in protecting your vision and managing conditions like glaucoma. 

Here are some easy, effective ways to keep your eyes and body feeling their best:

1. Incorporate Eye-Healthy Foods
   • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support eye health.
   • Salmon and Fatty Fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy blood flow to the eyes.
   • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are full of vitamin E, which can protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Stay Hydrated
   Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated and helps reduce eye dryness, which is common in those with vision challenges.
3. Engage in Low-Impact Exercises
   • Walking or Swimming: These gentle workouts improve blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eyes.
   • Yoga or Tai Chi: These activities enhance physical health and promote relaxation, which can help manage eye pressure.
4. Limit Screen Time
   Excessive screen exposure can strain your eyes and lead to discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
5. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
   Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful sunlight, which can worsen conditions like glaucoma.
6. Prioritize Stress Management
   High-stress levels can contribute to increased eye pressure. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, or even calming music can help lower stress and improve eye health.
7. Get Enough Sleep
   A whole night of rest allows your eyes to recover and reduces fatigue. Aim for 7–8 hours each night to keep your vision refreshed and sharp.
8. Stay Consistent with Eye Care
   Regular check-ups with your eye doctor ensure that any changes in your vision or eye health are caught early. Adhering to prescribed treatments, such as eye drops, helps keep conditions like glaucoma in check.

How Always Best Care of Shreveport Can Help

Managing glaucoma and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you’re never alone in this journey. At Always Best Care of Shreveport, we specialize in providing personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

Our compassionate caregivers can assist with daily tasks such as meal preparation, medication organization, and ensuring your living space is safe and accessible. Do you need help getting to those crucial eye doctor appointments? 

We’ve got that covered, too. 

Whether we offer companionship, help with household chores, or provide a steady hand to navigate vision changes, we’re here to make life easier and more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

With our services, you can focus on what matters most—staying healthy, happy, and connected with the people and activities you love.

Ready to Thrive? Let’s Take the First Step Together!

Your health and happiness are worth every effort, and Always Best Care of Shreveport is here to help you every step of the way. From managing the challenges of glaucoma to enhancing your overall quality of life, we’re ready to be your trusted partner in care.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you or your loved one. Let’s work together to create a care plan that keeps life safe, comfortable, and joyful!

Contact Always Best Care of Shreveport at (318) 424-5300 to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Let us collaborate to create a tailored care plan that ensures your loved one’s safety, comfort, and active, enriching lifestyle.