At SoCal Eye, we see a lot of sons and daughters in our clinics helping their parents as they navigate the process of eyecare and cataract surgery. As parents age, they may require additional support, with eye care treatments such as cataract surgery. Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens, are common, affecting half of all adults by age 75. Though cataracts develop slowly, they can eventually impair vision, making daily activities more difficult. Fortunately, cataract surgery can restore sight.
Here’s how you can support your parents if they need cataract surgery:
1. Ensure Regular Eye Checkups
Encourage your parents to schedule regular eye exams, especially if they haven’t had one recently. Since cataracts progress gradually, it’s easy to overlook vision changes until they significantly affect daily life. A visit to the eye doctor can determine if cataracts are the issue and whether surgery is needed.
2. Identify the Right Time for Surgery
Cataract surgery is typically recommended when vision problems start affecting quality of life. Watch for signs like difficulty navigating the home, struggling with night driving, or social withdrawal due to vision impairment. These are clear indicators that it may be time for surgery. If you notice these signs, discuss the impact with your parents and encourage them to consider surgery.
3. Help Them Prepare for Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures, but it can still feel intimidating. Help your parents by supporting them through the process:
- Ask Questions: Ensure they feel comfortable with their surgeon by encouraging them to ask any questions.
- Choose an IOL: During surgery, the cataract is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). There are various IOL options, including lifestyle lenses that can improve vision beyond just cataract correction. Help your parents weigh the pros and cons based on their needs and budget.
4. Provide Post-Surgery Support
On the day of surgery, offer practical support:
- Transport: Your parents will need a ride to and from the procedure.
- Meal Prep and Medications: Help with cooking or arranging meals for the first day post-surgery and picking up medications.
Recovery is usually quick—many people resume normal activities within 24 hours. You can assist with reminders for medications and check in on their progress after surgery.
5. Restore Their Quality of Life
By helping your parents through the process, you’re giving them the gift of clear vision and improved quality of life. After surgery, they can regain independence and enjoy activities that cataracts once made difficult. Some IOLs may even improve their vision to a level better than before cataracts developed.
Cataract Treatment in Long Beach, CA
SoCal Eye has been serving patients from Long Beach and surrounding areas for over 60 years. We understand that providing the best patient experience every day is so important and our entire team is driven to make this happen for every patient. Cataract Treatment for Patients in Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos and Garden Grove. Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request in Long Beach, CA, and take the first step toward restoring their vision.
