Vision changes are extremely common for aging adults, but sometimes they might not share that they’re experiencing these changes. It helps when family caregivers to know what to watch for so that they can help their family members to stay safe at home. Spotting these changes can be easier with help from companion care at home, too.
Trouble Reading
When seniors start having difficulty reading, especially smaller print, that can be an indication that they’re having trouble with their vision overall. Brighter light can help, as can reading glasses. But if seniors aren’t willing to wear reading glasses, they may continue to have trouble with daily activities.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Seniors may also find that as their vision changes, they may become more sensitive to light than they used to be. This might be a factor in resisting turning on more or brighter lighting in order to read or see better, too. Increased light sensitivity can occur along with other eye conditions, like retinal issues or cataracts.
Reduced Night Vision
Often seniors have trouble driving at night because of reduced night vision. If seniors are having more difficulty, in general, seeing in conditions with lower light, then they may need to have their eyes examined to determine if there are any underlying issues. Night vision issues can cause seniors to have more trouble maintaining independence and doing things like driving at night.
Frequent Accidents, Bumps, or Falls
A big part of the problem with seniors having vision impairments is that they may start to have difficulty avoiding obstacles, leading to bumps, accidents, and even falls. When seniors are injured more often, it could be because they aren’t able to see well enough to stay safe. Having home care providers available can help seniors to be safer at home.
Loss of Peripheral Vision
Sometimes seniors start to develop “tunnel vision,” or a loss of peripheral vision. This can be because of eye conditions, including glaucoma or retinal disorders. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when driving. Seniors who are experiencing reduced peripheral vision may find it more difficult to walk safely, too.
Difficulty Differentiating Colors
As seniors experience vision impairment, they may find it much more difficult to distinguish between similar colors. They may feel as if everything is more washed out when they look around. This makes it difficult to navigate daily life at times.
Frequent Changes to Eyeglass Prescriptions
For years, seniors may have had no major changes in their eyeglass prescriptions. But they may suddenly start to find themselves needing new prescriptions more often than they used to. There could be multiple causes for these changes, so it’s important for seniors to visit their eye doctors to get their eyes checked out.
Frequent Eye Fatigue or Headaches
Eye fatigue and headaches can also be common symptoms of vision impairment. This happens when seniors are straining their eyes when they’re trying to do things like read or watch television. Having the correct eyeglass prescription can alleviate eye fatigue, so it’s important to visit the eye doctor regularly.
So many seniors don’t realize they’re experiencing these difficulties, often because the symptoms increase so slowly over time. Having companion care at home and visiting them regularly can help seniors to have someone there who can notice these subtle changes.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING COMPANION CARE AT HOME IN PALO ALTO, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969
