Many older adults affected by low vision find vision aids may help.
Low vision is the loss of sight that cannot be corrected by prescription eyeglasses or surgery. This condition often affects older adults and may be caused by age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetes. It is not the same as blindness because people still maintain some sight. They may also benefit from the use of low vision aids.
A person is considered to have low vision if they use corrective lenses and have a visual acuity of 20/70 or worse, while a person with vision corrected to 20/200 or worse is usually considered legally blind.
There are degrees of low vision that affect a person’s sight in different ways including:
Although anyone can develop low vision due to eye injury or inherited health conditions, age is often a factor. Low vision is common in adults over the age of 45 and has a higher occurrence in people over 75 because of certain age-related conditions. Some common causes of low vision include:
If changes in vision are detected, it’s important to visit a doctor for an eye exam. An eye doctor will assess a patient’s health, eye history, and visual difficulties that are affecting the person’s ability to perform daily activities. To examine a patient’s visual acuity and depth perception, the doctor may use a variety of tests including eye charts, reading ability, sensitivity to light or glare, and more.
In many cases, low vision may be permanent, but there are devices and tools that may help improve an individual’s sight and quality of life. Some common vision aids and other tools include:
In addition to using these tools, older adults with low vision can learn how to use their remaining vision to continue to perform daily activities at home. A professional in-home caregiver can also assist with personal care needs, exercise, monitoring vital signs, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation to social events, and many other services to help individuals at home.
Visiting Care Giving Services is available to help older adults with vision impairment maintain a safe and independent life in the comfort of home. To learn more about our trusted home care services and elderly care in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, contact us online or at (636) 493-9058.