By Janet Ceraldi, OTR,CEAC
Low vision deficits are very common in our aging population. In 2011, the first baby boomers turned 65. We now have an increasingly aging population of people being diagnosed with low vision problems, affecting how baby boomers are of thinking about getting older. They want to age in place and stay in their home as long as possible. However, only one in six have made any home modifications to make it safe enough to allow them to do so. The goal of aging in place is to enhance the quality of life of aging adults in their own environment. Staying home not only helps you to be able to participate in the activities you love but also to socialize with the people you enjoy.
Low vision is the term used to refer to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. It is often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of all ages, but is primarily associated with older adults.
As we age there are a variety of eye conditions that can affect us such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma. Any of these conditions can make activities of daily living (our self care needs- bathing, grooming, dressing, cooking) difficult to complete.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Prevent accidents and Injury by ensuring adequate lighting, check all rooms for potential hazards and implement solutions. Learn compensatory techniques.
- Learn techniques such as eccentric viewing, visual tracking, and visual scanning which help people to maximize use their remaining vision.
- Remove clutter in rooms/ hallways/stairs and remove throw rugs that can cause falls.
- Use contrasting colors on grab bars and other equipment to help them stand out visually.
- On stairs, add extra lighting, place contrast colored tape on edges of steps and ensure sturdy handrails are available.
- Use labeled, divided trays for cosmetics or small tools.
- Hang clothes in closet organized by similar colors.
- Use computers, magnifiers or tablets that can make writing and pictures bigger.
- Use rubber bands around items in order to identify by feel. For example, 1 band around cans of peas and 2 bands around cans of corn.
- Request large print medication bottles.
- Contact your local Association for the Blind for additional resources.
Below are a few examples of adaptive equipment or tools for low vision:
Resources: