Our ability to see is important for almost all of our day to day tasks. How would you cope with living with vision loss? This is a real issue that many older adults will have to face. According to the National Eye Institute, the majority of people with vision impairment are seniors. Yet losing this important ability does not mean you can’t enjoy your life. Furthermore, there are ways to compensate for this loss.
An article from AgingCare.com provides information and tips on how to cope.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people over the age of 65 should get eye exams at least once per year. There are many reasons to keep a close eye (no pun intended) on changes in vision. With vision loss comes the risk of falls, driving accidents, and other safety hazards. Caregivers and families should look out for signals that indicate vision impairment. These could include squinting, head tilting, or walking hesitantly.
Sometimes modifications such as increased lighting and using contrasting colors can help. One common modification is to utilize bigger font sizes or magnifiers when reading. However, even if your vision is severely impaired, there are still steps to take to improve your safety and independence. Staying organized in your home is crucial. Making sure that items such as rugs, tables, chairs, and furniture are not in your way will reduce your fall risk. In addition, maintaining a specified place for common items like purses or wallets can help you keep track of where things are.
One interesting way of coping is to use tactile systems to locate items in your home. This could mean placing a rubber band or a raised piece of felt on items that you use frequently. That way, you can feel for the correct item rather than relying on only vision.
Should you experience loss of vision in your later years, there is no need to stop participating in your life. We have many clients who have impaired vision or even blindness. There are many ways to stay active and happy while dealing with this. Depression is a common emotion when one begins to lose their vision. Yet by using modifications and support from others, you can live a happy and fulfilling life despite this challenge. Encourage your aging loved ones to socialize with friends and get out of their home. While they may need extra support and assistance at times, living well with vision loss is possible. Knowing ways to adapt to this new way of life can help you stay as independent as possible.