Could Outdated Eyewear Lead to Falls?
When was the last time your older family member got a new pair of glasses? If it’s been a while, their prescription could be wrong for their current vision. Having eyewear with an outdated prescription can cause seniors all kinds of problems. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan indicated that there are many older adults who either are not wearing glasses and need them or who need new glasses for better vision.
Senior Care in Great Falls VA: Outdated Eyewear and Falls
Vision Study Shows Eyewear Inadequacies.
Although Medicare does not pay for glasses, the researchers used data gathered through the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study, which is sent out to people who are receiving Medicare benefits.
Among the survey’s respondents were many people who didn’t currently wear glasses. Of them, 900,000 people indicated they had distance vision problems and 650,000 had close up vision problems. 27 million of the respondents wear glasses, but almost 4 million of them still said they have difficulty because of their vision.
Problems Caused by Low Vision.
Not having the right corrective eyewear can lead to some serious problems for older adults. Some possible problems are:
- Poor Quality of Life: People with low vision report more physical and mental health problems, more days in which activities are limited, and feel less satisfied with their lives.
- Less Independence: Vision problems make older adults more dependent on the people around them to assist with tasks that are hard because of their poor vision.
- Increased Risk of Falls: Poor eyesight makes it harder for seniors to walk or use stairs. Several studies have shown that having low vision puts people at a greater risk of falling.
- More Fractures & Injuries: Studies show people with vision problems suffer more bone breaks and other injuries than those with good vision.
People who are above the age of 65 should have their eyes examined every one or two years. If they have conditions that may affect vision, such as diabetes or glaucoma, more frequent visits may be needed. An eye doctor can advise the older adult or their caregivers about how often they should be examined.
Senior care can help ensure your aging relative gets regular eye exams by reminding them of appointments and offering transportation to the doctor’s office. If the older adult has vision problems even with glasses, a senior care provider can help them with daily activities that require good vision. Senior care providers can read to them, assist them with paying bills, and do many other tasks that are difficult for the older adult.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering senior care in Great Falls, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. Call (833) 4 MomDad. Serving all of Northern Virginia.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK402367/
https://www.preventblindness.org/how-often-should-i-have-eye-exam