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5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Vision loss in seniors is inevitable. But it becomes a real challenge for them to deal with vision loss because it affects their independence in even the most ordinary daily tasks. As a loved one or a caregiver of such seniors, it is important to understand the challenge these seniors face to help them in making their lives better. 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior
Listed here are a few crucial things to keep in mind…

  1. Create a list of important instructions and numbers

Create a list which consists all the important instructions and contact numbers on a bold-lined paper. This should include the numbers of doctors, transportation, emergency contacts etc. Make sure that everything is typed in large and easily readable print. Keep this list in a convenient place.

  1. Ensure that their home is lit up appropriately

Special care should be taken to ensure that the home of your elderly loved ones or those you are caring for should be well lit up. For instance, you can choose gooseneck lamps in places where extra light is required for tasks like cooking or reading. An important place you should not miss out is the stairs. The top and the bottom steps should be especially illuminated. Extra lighting around the house will help your loved one use their remaining vision effectively. Choose the type and quality of light depending on the type of their vision loss.

  1. Use bright colors to highlight things and risky areas

A good idea to help your loved ones with poor vision so that they can carry out their tasks independently would be to use colors to highlight the things they use daily and the areas which they frequent. For instance, for outlets or switch plate covers use bright colors which are in contrast with the wall paint. This will make it easy for them to locate light switches or thermostats. Also, for plates, cups and utensils choose a color which is in contrast with the countertop and table, so that cooking and dining becomes easy for them. Do the same for areas like handrails along the staircase which will make them easier to spot.

  1. Schedule periodic eye exams for them

One of the most important things you can do for your seniors suffering from poor vision is to schedule periodic eye exams for them. This will not only help keep a tab on the effectiveness of the eye care they are being administered, but will also enable early detection of any underlying serious vision-related and other problems. For instance, problems such as cataract and low vision can be treated effectively with minimally invasive treatments if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

  1. Make traveling easier for them

Traveling with poor vision can be risky. You can encourage the senior to speak up and ask questions about assistance if they are traveling alone. While walking with them, you can alert them about any holes or other abnormalities in payment so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves.
You can even encourage such seniors to use their peripheral vision more often and to become independent and do small and simple tasks around the home by themselves. This will not only make them a bit more confident but will also make them happy.

Author Bio:
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, an Ophthalmology Center in California. With a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health due to his personal struggle with Astigmatism, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior 5 Important Things to Do for a Visually Impaired Senior

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Vision

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Vision rehabilitation maximizes hope and independence

New studies predict boom in cases of low vision, but help is available.
As the last of the baby-boom generation approaches the age of 65, the number of cases of visual impairment and blindness is projected to experience a boom of its own in the coming years. According to recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of Americans who are visually impaired—including those with low vision—is expected to double to more than 8 million by 2050. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Low vision is when people have difficulty seeing, even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. People with low vision may find it challenging to perform everyday activities such as getting around the neighborhood, reading the mail, shopping, cooking, or watching television. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Visi
Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Most people with low vision are age 65 or older. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Among younger people, vision loss is most often caused by inherited eye conditions, infectious and autoimmune eye diseases, or trauma.
Because the consequences of vision loss may leave people feeling anxious, helpless, and depressed, it is important to remind them that there is help. “People experiencing vision loss should talk to their eye care professional and seek a referral to a low vision specialist,” advises Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of NEI, one of the federal government’s principal agencies for vision research.
A low vision specialist is an ophthalmologist or optometrist trained to help people who have low vision maximize their remaining sight and continue to live safe, productive, and rewarding lives. This specialist can develop a vision rehabilitation plan that identifies the appropriate strategies and assistive devices for a person’s particular needs. “A vision rehabilitation plan helps people reach their true visual potential when nothing more can be done from a medical or surgical standpoint,” explains Mark Wilkinson, O.D., a low vision specialist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and chair of the low vision subcommittee for the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP).
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine noted that vision rehabilitation is essential to maximizing the independence, functioning, participation, safety, and overall quality of life for people with visual impairment. Vision rehabilitation services are provided by a team of professionals such as occupational therapists, orientation and mobility instructors, low vision therapists, rehabilitation teachers, and adaptive technology specialists. These specialists work together to teach people with vision loss a variety of skills, including the following:

  • Using magnifying and adaptive devices
  • Navigating safely around the home and in public
  • Performing daily activities such as cooking, shopping, and reading
  • Finding resources and support

NEI offers many resources to help people with low vision, including What You Should Know About Low Vision, a 20-page, large-print booklet and companion video that features inspiring stories of people living with low vision. This booklet, video, and other resources can be download for free at www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision.
Eye diseases and vision loss have become major public health concerns in the United States. NEI is committed to finding new ways to improve the lives of people living with visual impairment. In addition to providing information and resources, NEI has dedicated more than $24 million to low vision research efforts, including learning how the brain adapts to vision loss; finding strategies to improve vision rehabilitation; and developing new technologies that help people with low vision to read, shop, and find their way in unfamiliar places. Research like this will help people with low vision make the most of their remaining sight and maintain their independence and quality of life. Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision
Schedule an eye doctor appointment to day to keep your eyes in the best health. Also, check out these magnifying aids that are so popular with our members!
-National Eye Health Education Program

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision Explosion of Aging Boomers with Low Vision

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Vision

5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Every New Year, you make a list of things you will do to stay healthy so you can feel your best. But, did you realize that feeling your best includes seeing your best too? January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – the perfect time to spread the word about the disease. So, this year, add learning about glaucoma to your list! Your eyes will thank you for it. 5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

1. Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness, which can’t be reversed.

Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in your eye, causing pressure
that can damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual images
to your brain. But, you can save your vision with early detection and treatment.

2. There are no early symptoms.

Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Only advanced glaucoma will affect your vision. Don’t wait for symptoms to visit your eye doctor!

3. In the United States, half the people who have glaucoma don’t know they do.

Nearly 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Half don’t know it. Lack of awareness and the absence of symptoms are preventing people from detecting the disease early. You can change that! Find out if you have glaucoma.

4. Some people are at higher risk than others.

African Americans over 40, adults over 60 – especially Hispanics/Latinos, and people with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk, making early detection especially important. Are you at higher risk? Talk to your family about glaucoma.

5. There is only one way to know if you have glaucoma.

Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to find out if you have glaucoma. During the exam, an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupils and looks for signs of the disease in the optic nerve.
Now that you’ve got the facts about glaucoma, make a resolution for healthier vision. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam today! And encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. 5 Things to Know About Glaucoma
To learn more about glaucoma, visit www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma. 5 Things to Know About Glaucoma
The National Eye Institute (NEI) leads the federal government’s research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address the special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov. 5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

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Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision
Vision

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month! Glaucoma is referred to as the “silent thief of vision,” according to Gerald R. Schultz, M.D., F.A.C.S., Ophthalmologist at JFK Memorial Hospital. That is because it quietly attacks, slowly robbing people of their vision with very few symptoms and without pain. The National Eye Institute estimates that 3 million Americans have glaucoma and half of those don’t know they have it. Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can lead to damage to the eye’s optic nerve and result in blindness. Most symptoms will go undetected by those afflicted by the disease, which is why early detection and treatment of the disease is critical in preventing vision impairment and blindness, according to The Glaucoma Foundation. If the disease is not treated in its early stages, symptoms will begin to appear. They are loss of side vision and ultimately decreasing forward vision, which eventually leads to blindness. Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision
Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects, but there are a handful of factors that put some people more at risk than others. These factors include: Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision

  • Age – Glaucoma occurs more frequently as people age. Those over 45 are more at risk for this disease.
  • Family History – Glaucoma appears to be hereditary, according to The Glaucoma Foundation.
  • Abnormally High Intraocular Pressure (IOP) – High IOP is the most important risk factor, according to The Glaucoma Foundation. The only way to diagnose whether you have high IOP is to be tested by an ophthalmologist.
  • Race – According to the National Eye Institute, African-Americans, especially those over 40, are at higher risk.

“Clear vision is vital to our daily functions and how we live. However, many people take their vision for granted and ignore minor symptoms that can cause major problems if not treated by an ophthalmologist,” said Dr. Schultz. “Glaucoma is evidence of why it is vital to get regular eye exams in order to detect any potential problems that can cause permanent damage to an individual’s eyesight.”

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Vision

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Vision

You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Make a Resolution for Healthy Vision You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It

January is Glaucoma Awareness month. As you plan for a healthier 2017, why not add this sight-saving exercise to your list of resolutions: Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. It’s the only way to find out for sure whether you have glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in America. You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It
An eye disease that can rob you of your vision, glaucoma often comes with no early warning. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Nearly 3 million people have glaucoma, yet half don’t know they have it.
Glaucoma starts with a buildup of fluid that increases the pressure in your eye and can cause damage to the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that transfers visual images to your brain. Glaucoma first affects your peripheral, or side, vision. As the disease advances, more noticeable vision loss will occur, and if not controlled, the disease can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
You can take action to protect yourself from glaucoma.
“If glaucoma is detected in its early stages, pressure can be controlled through medication or surgery, and the progression
of the disease can be delayed,” says Dr. Paul Sieving, director of the National Eye Institute (NEI). “Early detection by having a
comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years is key to protecting vision, especially if you are at higher risk.”
Are you at higher risk for glaucoma? You could be if you:

  • Are African American and age 40 or older
  • Are over age 60, especially if you are Hispanic/Latino
  • Have a family history of the disease

Everyone at higher risk should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam, which is different from the basic eye exam for glasses. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a procedure in which an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupil and looks at the optic nerve for signs of the disease.
This year, make a resolution for healthier vision. Make sure your eyes are healthy and you are seeing your best in 2016. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.
To learn more about glaucoma, view this animated video. For tips on finding an eye care professional and for information on financial assistance, visit www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma or call NEI at 301–496–5248.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) leads the federal government’s research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address the special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov.
You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It
You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It
You Could Have Glaucoma and Not Even Know It

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age-related macular degeneration
Vision

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
age-related macular degenerationWhen evaluating the blindness epidemic in America, experts project age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will affect an estimated 20 million people in the United States by the year 2020. Yet, new national survey results reveal that 3 out of 4 Americans don’t know that AMD is in fact, the leading cause of blindness despite more than 40% of older Americans either have it or knowing someone with this disease for which there is no cure. The top survey choice selected was, incorrectly, glaucoma. Americans Unaware of Blindness Leading Cause
The survey results highlight the need to educate older adults living with or at risk for macular degeneration, as well as their potential caregivers, about how to manage and treat a progressive condition for which there is no cure. Notably, the survey found that more than 1 in 3 (35%) Americans, who know someone with macular generation, assist them frequently. But despite the high prevalence of AMD, the majority of respondents – 66% — report that they are unconfident in their ability to care for their loved one should a family member develop it.
What Do You Need To Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The signs of macular degeneration are subtle at first. Straight lines, like mailbox posts, may appear bent or crooked, or vision might be slightly blurred. It isn’t until AMD progresses that caregivers may find that their parents need more help paying bills, running errands, and recognizing friends they meet on the street. As central, “straight-ahead” vision deteriorates, an older adult sacrifices their independence and it’s very common for these patients to experience increased stress or depression as a result.[i]
 
Today, more than 15 million Americans are affected by some form of AMD and approximately 2 million Americans have the advanced (End-stage) form with associated vision loss, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in individuals over the age of 60. Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, but at its most aggressive, it can completely block the macula, which is the region of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision. Although peripheral vision remains unaffected by AMD, the developing “blind spot” in central vision is not something people can see around using natural eye moments.
Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam, usually given by an ophthalmologist, can detect AMD. It’s important that caregivers ensure that their loved ones see their eye doctor at least once a year, or more frequently if AMD is progressing, to be assessed for treatment. The more common form of AMD is called dry (atrophic) AMD, which is a slower progressing form of macular degeneration compared to wet (neovascular) AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and damage the macula. Wet AMD is only diagnosed in 10 percent of all patients.
Learning about macular degeneration and different strategies to identify symptoms, treat and manage the condition benefits both the patient and their caregiver. Those interested in learning more about AMD can visit a new online resource, AMDAffectsMe.com to find out if they or a loved one, is at risk for this debilitating condition.
[i] Bennion, AE, Shaw, RL, Gibson, JM “What do we know about the experience of age related macular degeneration?A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research” Social Sciences and Medicine 75 (2012) 976e985

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