How Caregivers Can Help Seniors with Vision Loss
Getting an annual eye exam is especially important for the older population. Seniors are more prone to eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration than younger people. Early detection of these maladies is critical.
Seniors may not be aware of these age-related eye problems because they often develop painlessly and have no early symptoms. There may not be any changes in their vision until the condition has become more advanced.
For these and other reasons, annual eye exams are important and will help seniors keep regular track on their eye and overall health. Eye exams can also uncover other potential health issues such as artery blockages, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
The CDC estimates that about 1.3 million older, vision-challenged Americans fell at least once during the year. Preventing these falls is critical, as falling leads to injuries that sends seniors to the hospital. The CDC further reports that 2.8 million seniors are believed to have severe vision impairment, which is defined as either blindness or difficulty seeing, even with eyeglasses.
How can you help prevent falls?
- Leave things as you found them in their home. If you do move something, let them know.
- Shut or open doors completely, as a half-open door is a hazard.
- Help them declutter their home of unnecessary items.
- Be sure grab bars are installed in stairways and bathrooms.
- When cleaning their house, beware of vacuum cords, wet floors, and other potential hazards they could trip over or slip on.
- Keep light bulbs in good order, replacing them as needed, to ensure good lighting in all rooms, staircases, closets, and hallways.
- Eliminate throw rugs as much as possible, or ensure they are adhered to the floor well if they are necessary.
While we cannot prevent vision lose, understanding its progression can help ensure better safety with our seniors. Help them get scheduled for an eye exam soon!