How to Prepare for Vision Loss As We Age

Hold Hands - Vision Loss

Loss of Vision

Our vision naturally weakens as we age.  This gradually degradation in our vision, especially for close objects, is a common occurrence as we enter late to middle-age.  Do not be alarmed unless your ophthalmologist says that you have a more serious condition.  There are many cases, however, where vision loss can be a very big challenge, especially if you know that you have a condition that is likely to worsen.

There are many types of issues that can cause your vision to get worse in aging adults.  A changing prescription for eye lenses, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other conditions can occur along with a slow progression of difficulty in seeing what once came easily.  Because there are so many different causes of vision loss, it is important to have a proper eye exam and diagnosis so that you know how to approach the problem, and correct it, if possible.

Eye Exam Elderly

But, what if vision correction is not possible?  It is a frightening prospect for even the bravest of souls to think about slowly losing our sight.  If this is the reality in your life, however, taking some simple steps now could make your life much easier as your loss of vision progresses.

The first step in making our life better later on is to be assured that our home is safe.  Be sure to get rid of rugs that can be tripping hazards. Make the edges of stairs easier to see with bright tape or lighting under the tread edges. Mark stove knobs well so that we can see them easily without bending over to check. Consider marking the handles of our sharp knives with a bright paint so that we can spot them easily in the sink and won’t cut our fingers and hands.  A hard step is to be willing to admit when we can no longer drive ourselves safely.  Considering the safety of others may help lessen the loss of this everyday freedom.

Try to keep a moderate amount of light in each room.  Nothing too bright and glaring yet not too dim.  If you have a favorite spot to sit and read or do a hobby, make sure that you have adequate light so that your eyes do not need to strain.  If you’re finding newsprint sizes are difficult to see, order larger print books from the library.  Or set up a free-standing magnifying glass that you can use comfortably while reading or doing needlework.  Consider marking your clothing with the color on a tag.  Hang them in your closet using a specific system so that you know which colors are where and which outfits go together.

If your vision prognosis is not good and you expect to fully lose your vision, consider learning braille now.  There is a large amount of information available to those with complete vision impairment.  This simple step can equip and empower you to meet your future with bravery and also a sense of control.  Begin researching this avenue while you have time to research.  Then, as the change in your vision occurs, you can adapt comfortably instead of it being overwhelmed from this devastating affair.

Single Eye Close Up

Finally, we can talk about the changes in our vision with family and friends.  They will need to know some of the changes to be accommodating of our needs, but it’s also to reassure them that we are aware of the changes and doing our best to be ready.  They may have invaluable input that can help to make our lives full and joyful despite the changes.  Over all, we need to be sure that we do not isolate ourselves when the change begins to happen.  Loneliness can be much more debilitating than any physical ailment, while true friendship and companionship can help maintain a light heart in spite of struggle.

Our sight is a blessing which allows us to not only care for ourselves but to also enjoy the beautiful world around us.  If you or a loved one are suffering from degenerative eye sight, we hope you found this article helpful and hopeful.  Please read other articles found here on our blog!

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