Signs of Low Vision in Seniors
Home Care in Berkeley Heights NJ: Signs of Low Vision in Seniors
If you have an aging loved one, chances are you are always on the lookout for symptoms of a problem. Vision problems can be particularly worrisome, and can cause a great deal of trouble for the person experiencing them. Unfortunately, though, vision problems are very common among the elderly, because of all of the changes our eyes go through as we get older.
Low vision is usually described as vision problems in people who are already using corrective lenses or other aids to help them to see. Some common issues include blurry or clouded vision, loss or lack of peripheral vision, unable to see things at the center of your vision range, or even night blindness.
The causes of low vision are varied, and are often difficult to identify without a doctor’s diagnosis. These could range from cataracts, glaucoma, and eye injuries to macular degeneration and complications from diabetes. Many of the symptoms, however, are the same.
If you or your home care side suspect that your senior might have low vision, be on the lookout for these signs:
- Difficulty reading – A difficulty seeing something that is close to the face is a sign of low vision. Have you noticed your loved one struggling to read recipes while cooking? Or having to hold things far away from them to read what is written on it? This could be a sign of low vision.
- Inability to recognize faces – This is a symptom you will surely notice. Low vision can make it hard to recognize distinct facial features, even in the people you love and see on a daily basis.
- Thinking that the lights are too dim – For people with low vision, it seems like the lights in the house are much dimmer than they should be, making it very difficult to see clearly. If your loved one has been complaining that there isn’t enough light when you can clearly see that there is plenty, it might be time to consider a trip to the doctor’s office.
If you get glasses for your loved one and don’t see any improvement in the above symptoms, this is a sign of low vision.
It is possible to live with low vision, with some modifications. Getting brighter light bulbs is very helpful, as it makes it easier for the senior to see. Magnifiers can help them to read better as well. Color coding things like garden tools or the handles of kitchen utensils with bright, easy to distinguish colors can make it easier to find what they are looking for too.
If the problem gets too severe, though, hiring home care is an option. A home care aide will help the senior to find the things they need, and to get around the house without falling or hurting themselves. They can also help to cook and clean, and can assist the senior with reading or with other household tasks.
Low vision can be troublesome, but it is by no means something that has to keep the senior from living a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. At most, they might need help from you or a home care professional, but this is not a bad thing.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Berkeley Heights, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
Source: http://www.belmarrahealth.com/low-vision-elderly-causes-symptoms-treatment/
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