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Poor or Declining Vision Are Common Among Seniors. Is Your Loved One at Risk?
As people age, it’s not uncommon to develop poor eyesight either as part of natural aging or as a side effect of common health problems like heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Blurry vision, in particular, is a common effect of diabetes and high blood pressure. If you or the loved one you care for is experiencing some of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about their declining eyesight, learning more about vision safety and tips for seniors can help them enjoy a higher quality of life and find treatments to suit their condition.
Low Vision Doesn’t Mean Lowered Abilities
Simply because someone has impaired vision doesn’t mean that their cognitive or other abilities are impeded. Often, it just means that they need a little extra help, some tools, or even helpful home modifications to make it easier for them to complete daily tasks independently. Some seniors may not have noticed a gradual decrease in their vision and may have become used to it. However, learning the symptoms of low vision can help you or your loved one get treatment earlier.
Common low vision symptoms include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Loss of central vision
- Trouble reading
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Problems driving at night
If you or your senior loved one are having these problems, visit your ophthalmologist. They can help with rehabilitation, aids, devices, and tips to help improve the home environment for people with low vision.
Preventing Injuries at Home Caused By Poor Vision
Poor or declining vision can lead to easily preventable accidents around the home, which can cause serious injuries, such as slips, trips, and falls. Here are some easy preventative measures that you can take to ensure that your home is safer for people with impaired vision:
- Opt for slip-proof or non-skid bath mats and shower rugs
- Avoid small rugs that could be a trip hazard, such as those with tassels
- Secure staircase railings firmly in place
- Add cushioning or protective caps to sharp furniture and home fixture edges
- Change the wattage of the lighting, making it brighter to see better
- Simplify décor, removing patterns on fabrics and eliminating unnecessary furnishings
- Place nightlights around the house or even motion-sensor lighting at night
- Don’t neglect outdoor maintenance, making it free of trip hazards
Lifestyle Changes for Better Vision
We know that exercise is good for you – it improves your resting heart rate, blood circulation, lung capacity, and oxygen intake. But did you know that these benefits also benefit your eyesight? Exercise can help improve blood circulation in your eyes and keep your weight in a healthy range, preventing diabetes.
Exercise for older adults can be fun but not strenuous. Walking, yoga, Tai-Chi, or water aerobics are all gentle enough to not cause damage to your joints.
Don’t neglect a good night’s sleep, too. During sleep, your body heals itself from the rigors of the day, including your eyes. Your eyes are cleansed of impurities that accumulate during the day and receive a much-needed rest.
You Are Not Alone. Help Is Here.
If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one whose vision is deteriorating, it’s important to know how to help them get regular vision care and steps to take to make it easier for them to navigate their home independently.
You may be very stressed as a caregiver, but you are not alone. Tribute Senior Living offers a caregiver support group for people like you to talk in a safe environment, share your experiences when caring for an infirm loved one, and make valuable, supportive connections. You’ll also receive tips for good self-care that can make you a better caregiver. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with questions or to learn more about how to get involved.
