Helping a loved one deal with a medical condition is always tough. Guiding an aging parent through cataracts comes with a unique set of challenges. Denial is a common reaction to cataracts. So, how do you help your mom with her diagnose and treat this common ailment?

First, watch for cataract warning signs. Mom may not be quick to admit her eyesight is failing, but she may repeatedly complain that text is blurry and difficult to read. You may also notice she has particular trouble seeing at night, or that she’s especially sensitive to bright light. Odds are, she’ll attribute this to an outdated set of eyeglasses, but it’s definitely worth seeing an ophthalmologist to determine if cataracts are the real culprit.

That last part can definitely be easier said than done.

Getting mom to the eye doctor may require a little creativity. Odds are, she’s accustomed to just getting new glasses every few years from the same optical shop. Opticians play a valuable role in eye care – especially licensed opticians – but diagnosing and treating cataracts is best left to a specialist. Tell mom you’re concerned about her vision and it would just make you feel better if she saw an ophthalmologist. Offer to go with her. A little bonding time, right?

Once at the eye doctor, he or she will perform a series of simple, non-invasive tests to quickly determine whether cataracts are present and, if so, the severity of the condition. Early on, surgery may not be necessary, but when cataracts negatively impact quality of life, the surgery is the only effective treatment option.

Your ophthalmologist should explain all your surgical options. The right physician will take plenty of time talking through the pros and cons of the available options, including traditional and laser-assister surgery options.

For most patients today, laser-assisted cataract surgery is preferable. Technology like the LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery system helps the surgeon be more precise, reducing trauma to the eye and improving recovery time. Laser-cataract surgery is painless, and patients often report improved vision before even leaving the recovery room. It’s outpatient surgery, meaning patients return home the same day.

If you suspect a loved one is dealing with cataracts, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Snodgrass at Gainesville Eye Physicians. Dr. Snodgrass has performed more than 20,000 cataract surgeries, and he’s a compassionate caregiver who will treat your family like his own.

Call Gainesville Eye Physicians in Gainesville, Tioga Town Center, Lake City or Melrose today.