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Help Your Eyes Age Gracefully

Published September 16, 2021 

The number of older Americans with low vision is expected to double in the coming years as more people live longer. Low vision describes poor vision that can't be fixed or improved with glasses, contacts or surgery. People with low vision have blind spots that can make it difficult or impossible to drive, read or see faces. But the tragedy isn’t that people have lost vision, it’s that most believe nothing can be done to improve their quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of low vision. Other common contributors include diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and inherited retinal diseases. But there are many simple changes people can make on their own to help them live better:

·        Improve contrast. Put dark place mats under white place settings, buy rugs that are a contrasting color with the floor, and kitchen towels and cutting boards that contrast with the countertop. Use contrasting colored tape along the edges of rugs, stair steps and lamp shades.

·        Improve lighting. Every year, about 3 million older Americans are treated for injuries from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these falls are caused by low vision. Add lighting to staircases and dark hallways. Remove rugs from hallways to prevent tripping. Task lighting in the kitchen can also make food preparation safer and easier.

·        Reduce clutter and organize. A cluttered house is more difficult to navigate and can contribute to falls and frustration. When each item has a specific place and is identified with a high-contrast label, it’s easier to locate items needed for everyday living.

·        Embrace technology. Books on tape and personal voice-activated assistants, like Google Home or Amazon's Alexa, can be enormously helpful for people who can no longer see well enough to read, dial a phone or set a thermostat.

Most importantly, see an ophthalmologist and a low vision specialist. An ophthalmologist can determine the full extent of vision loss and exact location of blind spots and can determine the best techniques and devices to help patients navigate their individual challenges.

Family Vision Center is taking the opportunity of September’s Healthy Aging Month to let people know they can retain their independence and stay safe, despite declining vision. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam.

Help Your Eyes Age Gracefully

Published September 16, 2021 

The number of older Americans with low vision is expected to double in the coming years as more people live longer. Low vision describes poor vision that can't be fixed or improved with glasses, contacts or surgery. People with low vision have blind spots that can make it difficult or impossible to drive, read or see faces. But the tragedy isn’t that people have lost vision, it’s that most believe nothing can be done to improve their quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of low vision. Other common contributors include diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and inherited retinal diseases. But there are many simple changes people can make on their own to help them live better:

·        Improve contrast. Put dark place mats under white place settings, buy rugs that are a contrasting color with the floor, and kitchen towels and cutting boards that contrast with the countertop. Use contrasting colored tape along the edges of rugs, stair steps and lamp shades.

·        Improve lighting. Every year, about 3 million older Americans are treated for injuries from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these falls are caused by low vision. Add lighting to staircases and dark hallways. Remove rugs from hallways to prevent tripping. Task lighting in the kitchen can also make food preparation safer and easier.

·        Reduce clutter and organize. A cluttered house is more difficult to navigate and can contribute to falls and frustration. When each item has a specific place and is identified with a high-contrast label, it’s easier to locate items needed for everyday living.

·        Embrace technology. Books on tape and personal voice-activated assistants, like Google Home or Amazon's Alexa, can be enormously helpful for people who can no longer see well enough to read, dial a phone or set a thermostat.

Most importantly, see an ophthalmologist and a low vision specialist. An ophthalmologist can determine the full extent of vision loss and exact location of blind spots and can determine the best techniques and devices to help patients navigate their individual challenges.

Family Vision Center is taking the opportunity of September’s Healthy Aging Month to let people know they can retain their independence and stay safe, despite declining vision. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam.

Locations

Bridgeport

Address

107 Boston Ave,
Bridgeport, CT 06610

Stratford

Address

775 Main St,
Stratford, CT 06615

Office & Optical Hours

Office Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Friday

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday, Saturday

8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Optical Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Friday

9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday, Saturday

8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday

Closed


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