Do you notice that you’re having to hold your newspaper further and further from your eyes? You’re in good company. Your eyesight will change more and more drastically as you get older. There are a few things you can do to protect and prolong your vision. The key, for seniors, is to have regular eye exams so problems can be spotted early.
People over the age of 65 should have yearly eye exams. If you notice that dad is squinting a lot even while using his trusty pair of bifocals, his prescription may be in need of an upgrade. The only way you can really gauge the condition of your eyes is with a proper examination in which the eye care professional puts drops in your eyes that dilate your pupils. Often there are no early symptoms for common eye diseases, so it is important to get checked before you notice things being blurry or painful.
Other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure can also cause eye problems if not properly treated. So if you, or your loved one, exhibit eye discomfort and have either of these diseases, see a doctor as soon as possible.
See an eye care professional right away if you:
- Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurry
- See flashes of light
- Have eye pain
- Experience double vision
- Have redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid
If you notice that you cant see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or sewing or cant recognize the faces of your friends or family you may have Low Vision and should see a doctor.
If your loves one’s poor vision is a known problem there are tools that can help him or her with to manage daily tasks. These include large-print reading materials and remotes, magnifying aids, audio books, and computers with large print and a talking function.
Here are some changes that may help:
- Change the type of lighting in your room.
- Write with bold, black felt-tip markers.
- Use paper with bold lines to help you write in a straight line.
- Put colored tape on the edge of your steps to help you see them and prevent you from falling.
- Install dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets that you can see easily against light-colored walls.
- Use motion lights that turn on by themselves when you enter a room. These may help you avoid accidents caused by poor lighting.
- Use telephones, clocks, and watches with large numbers; put large-print labels on the microwave and stove.
- Ask your eye doctor if your vision is okay for safe driving.
Even with the worst eye conditions, there is always a way to help, and there are always people willing to help. We at A Gentle Touch Senior Home & Health Care pride ourselves in the care of our senior population. Contact us if your loved one needs help.
Pat Ryan
Patrick is a Senior home health care consultant and principal at A Gentle Touch Senior Home & Health Care Inc.. Patrick has been in service to the long Island business community since 1985. Through a strong network of elder care and elder-care-related professionals Patrick uses a Best of Breed approach to his senior care services. He takes great pride in providing a single source solution for all of your senior care needs.
At a time when life comes at you hard and fast we take great care to guide you well and provide a total home care solution.