The Eyes Have It: Living Well With Vision Loss

Changes in vision are a common part of the aging process.

If you care for a relative over 60, chances are he or she suffers from poor eyesight. According to statistics from the National Eye Institute over 800,000 Americans over 60 suffer from blindness or poor vision.

THE AGING EYE

Age-related vision loss usually develops gradually and many older adults aren't aware that they don't see things as well as they used to. Colors aren't as bright, reading is more difficult – especially small print in newspapers or the telephone directory, night vision is poor.

A number of common age-related vision disorders of later life include:

• Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in older adults and also one of the most easily treated. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye that gradually cause reduced vision and blurred vision. They are easily treated with surgical replacement of the clouded lens with a new artificial one.
• Age-related macular degeneration destroys central vision and affects the ability to see objects clearly, drive or read. It develops gradually and most people discover they have the condition during a routine eye exam. Although there is no cure for the disease treatments are available to slow the disease process and improve vision
• Glaucoma increases fluid pressure within the eye that causes damage to its nerves. Like macular degeneration this disease also has no early symptoms and is not painful. Most people learn that they have it during a routine eye exam. Although it cannot be cured it can be treated with prescription eye drops or surgery
• Diabetic retinopathy increases growth of abnormal new blood vessels that block the flow of blood to the retina. Like other eye diseases of later life it cannot be cured and has no early warning signs. It can be treated with laser surgery which prevents the condition from getting worse.

Many of these conditions can be managed with medical treatments or lifestyle changes. Encourage your older relative to have an annual eye exam. Although cures may not be available for some eye diseases there are often treatments available that will improve his or her vision substantially.

HOME SAFETY TIPS

Older adults with poor vision are more likely to fall than those with normal eyesight. Many eye disorders affect depth perception, peripheral vision, visual acuity, and ability to see in the dark. Take a tour of your parent's house or apartment (or your house if he or she lives with you) and make modifications if needed. The most common causes of falls at home for all older people are especially dangerous for those with poor vision.

For a safer home remove:

• throw rugs,
• electrical cords
• household clutter
• unsteady furniture

• Nightlights throughout the house,
• Telephones and clocks with large numbers.
• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Strips of colored tape on the edge of each step to make them easier to see.
• Motion lights that turn on automatically when someone enters a room.

LOW VISION AIDS TO MAKE LIFE EASY AND SAFE

A variety of low vision products and services are available to help older adults with vision problems live as independently as possible. Most public libraries have lots of materials for people with low vision. In addition to large print books, books on tape or in Braille your library may also provide Braille sports schedules and tax forms, raised line maps and recorded and Braille foreign language books.

Useful low vision aids include:

• Magnifiers that allow people with limited vision use a computer, sew, knit, or read.
• Large print or "talking" dictionaries, cookbooks, globes and maps.
• Large or "talking" calculators.
• "Talking" clocks, radios, and timers
• Canes, walkers and other mobility aids to prevent falls
• Magnifying screens for TVs and computers
• Low vision playing cards, Bingo and board games
• Pill and medication reminders
• "Talking" scales
• Needle guides to help people with diabetes locate and stick the needle through the rubber stopper on an insulin bottle.
• Talking" or large-print home blood sugar meters to help people with diabetes see blood sugar results clearly. "Talking" meters are also available
• Large print calendars and organizers.

These and other useful low vision tools are available at pharmacies, medical supply stores, or on the Internet.

EYE HEALTH – IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

Thanks to improved treatments and assistive devices it's much easier for an older person with poor vision to get the treatment he or she needs to continue to live safely at home or the home of a family member. As a caregiver encourage your older relative to visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year for a complete eye exam – especially if he or she has been diagnosed with a vision disorder. Work with him or her to make home and lifestyle changes that will keep him safe and comfortable and preserve his vision for as long as possible.