SEEING the dangers in your environment
Posted Le 5 novembre 2015
Dr. Angela Yoon, O.D.
Dr. Radhika Chawla, O.D.Chair of Children's Vision Committee, Ontario Association of Optometrists, ESEL Lead - York Region, Ontario Association of Optometrists and Dr. Angela Yoon O.D.suggest that an annual comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist, which is covered by OHIP yearly for those aged 65 and over, is recommended for early detection and treatment of conditions to preserve your vision.
By age 65, one out of every three Ontarians will have some form of eye disease that reduces vision. Eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are much more common as we age. These diseases can impact one's ability to perform everyday tasks such as reading, watching TV, driving, or even recognizing faces.
However, vision loss does not have to affect one's lifestyle to the devastating degree we all think it may. A low vision evaluation with an optometrist can maximize one's vision using specialized visual aids that can magnify objects, remove glare, and improve contrast.
The following tips can also help individuals with vision loss to live safely and independently in their own homes and outdoor environment:
- Increase lighting sources
- Avoid patchy lighting and sudden changes from light to dark
- Install lighting in closets, cupboards and stairwells
- Switch to higher powered bulbs (but be sure to observe your light fixture's maximum bulb rating)
- Remove sources of glare
- Avoid strong overhead fluorescent lights, direct sunlight and shiny surfaces
- Wear a hat with a visor and sunglasses when outdoors
- Use blinds or sheer curtains to reduce glare from windows.
- Increase the contrast of objects next to each other. For example, a dark switch plate on light wall is much easier to see than a white switch plate on a white wall.
- Make your home environment safer
- Avoid using small rugs in your home as they may increase your chance of tripping
- Ensure that your bathmat has a non-skid pad underneath it
- Mark thermostats with very bright or fluorescent tape at your regular settings
- Mark the edge of the first and last step of stairs with contrasting paint, safety tape, or tread steps to highlight them
- Repair any damaged floors or carpet which could be a tripping hazard
- Secure electrical cords with tape.
Learning to use one's remaining vision effectively through proper training and the right visual aid, as well as implementing some of the safety tips above, can allow individuals with vision loss to lead full and independent lives.