She has moderate dementia but is in denial. She has a recent history of multiple falls, recently was hospitalized for 3 broken ribs. Her eyesight is poor, but she thinks it's fine. Her doc is recommending cataract removal, but she doesn't believe she needs it. I believe it would be beneficial, but I'm not sure how well she'll deal with wearing an eye patch, etc. How strongly should I push?
Falls come with dementia anyway ,
We went forward with the surgery. No eyedrops were needed, but she did have to wear a funky eye cover for four nights after each surgery. She fought this after the first eye, but she eventually agreed. After the first eye, we removed the one lens from her glasses so she could see with her "bad" eye. After the second eye, we removed the other lens because she insisted on wearing glasses. So she is currently walking around with glasses on and no lenses. Her new glasses will be available soon.
She was not given a general anesthesia during surgery, just a sedative. It took about 90 minutes for her to return to her "normal" state afterwards. If I had to go through it again, I would. I feel much better about her ability to see now. It wasn't easy, but what is really? Thank you, all, for your advice.
Were they able to fix the glaucoma with the surgery?
It has been a couple of decades since my granny in law had hers done and I remember her saying she couldn't lift much and couldn't bend over. Curious if the after care is the same.
I think that is the biggest challenge when dementia is involved.
Thanx for the information.
You would have to ask the doctor how bad they are , as far as going blind . Some go faster than others . My Dad never did his, , didn’t go blind , died at 88.
FWIW , my sister had her cataracts removed last year at 69 years old just before approaching moderate Lewy Body Dementia . Since then has had multiple falls due to the dementia .
My mom's depth perception is off, when trying to grab things, because of poor vision, she doesn't like to eat dark green vegetables even though she's a vegetarian, she's afraid of some images on the tv. She's walking into things. So I suspect things are just looking very distorted to her.
This wk (April 15) we met with a different Opthalmologist who we were referred to by an optometrist. Part of the visit involved testing by a technician first but that couldn't be fully done as my mom wouldn't be still. Even attempting to put eye drops in was beyond challenging. Later on Opthalmologist came in, I had to restrain my mom so she could get a better look at her eyes and confirmed it is indeed cataract (the left eye is worse than right). They will have to administer general anesthesia and was informed drops will be put in as part of the surgery but will not be given after (at home) as she may rub her eyes making things worse. Just awaiting on surgery to be scheduled. They said within 2-3 months but hopefully sooner if cancellations take place.
I'm no expert but my recommendation is to schedule an appointment with an Opthalmologist. Not sure where you're located but here in Canada one has to see an optometrist first then get a referral with a specialist (opthalmologist).
If I can be candid I'm a little annoyed I waited this long to reschedule with a different optometrist but I went with a recommendation from one of her caregivers as I didn't want to have a similar experience as the last. So if you're questioning if you should schedule an appointment, just do it now if you haven't yet. Even if she's combative just know you're doing it with positive intentions. At least the specialist can confirm.
As for falls haven't experienced that yet but wondering if taking your mom to physiotherapy is an option for balance exercises to help with mobility. I did so before (2023) when my mom was experiencing pain in her hand & wasn't able to remove her clothes to use toilet & it helped. I'm taking her back physio this wk as she's starting to lean to the left, & confirmed she's in pain. I suspect the pain is from how she sleeps..finding her in awkward sleeping positions, putting more weight to the left side and having to readjust her through the night.
Happy to followup with you once she gets a date for the cataract procedure if you're interested.