You must be aware that as one ages, health is bound to deteriorate to some degree. The senses, in particular, are susceptible to aging. Your eyesight is arguably your most important sense and when it becomes poor, you start to notice the effects. A visually impaired senior may not necessarily be completely blind but may still experience some form of visual impairment that makes it difficult for them to see things in dim lighting or over large distances. It is difficult to adapt or even accept this change, no matter how gradual they are. Use these tips to make life just a little easier for your loved ones and encourage them to be active despite their vision loss.
Take an Eye Exam
Your loved ones may have reported that they can see floating objects in their periphery or that they can see a very narrow portion of what is right in front of them. The best thing you can do is to take them to an ophthalmologist. In fact, it is recommended that in seniors above the age of 65, an eye exam should be taken every year to test the overall health and function of the eyes. They can pick up telltale signs of vision loss like squinting, missing objects while reaching for them, and bumping into items.
Good Lighting
Over time, the amount of light that we need for our eyes to function may increase. This is because our corneal muscles weaken. Ensure that your loved ones have a small lamp when they are doing activities like reading, sewing, or playing board games. It is also important to ensure that there is sufficient ambient light as the contrast between a bright lamp and a dark room might be a bit jarring. You may even want to keep some lights on during daylight hours if your home doesn’t have good lighting.
Keep the House Organized
Organization doesn’t seem to have much to do with eyesight, but this can’t be further from the truth. A house that is in disarray will cause your loved ones to bump into objects lying in their path and increase their risk of falling. Moreover, if they have trouble looking at nearby objects, they will appreciate knowing that items can be found in the same spot as before.
Make Things Bigger
This seems like a no brainer – bigger is better when it comes to vision loss. What this practically translates to is items that come in a larger print or electronic devices like screen enlargement software for the savvy ones to make their reading material easier to read. This can give them the confidence to continue with their normal activities.
Provide Moral Support
Sometimes, it is best to help without actively doing anything. This is when you take a backseat and just be present to listen to how your loved ones are faring. Encouraging them to stick to their hobbies and things they are passionate about will go a long way in boosting their morale.
