Tips to Aid People with Poor Eyesight

Fading vision is very common in the elderly, yet many seniors are unaware of the changes in their eyesight. Older people need three times as much light as young people. They have trouble seeing in dim light, and can't readily focus on moving objects or distinguish colors and shapes. The inability to see clearly can lead to a safety hazard. With a few adjustments, a person's daily living can certainly be brighter.

Here are 15 tips on how to help a person with poor eyesight:

1. Brighten the entire living area, especially stairways, hallways, and places where the person reads.
2. Distribute light evenly in all rooms.
3. Put night lights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom.
4. Put reflector tape on the edges of stairs to make them easier to see.
5. Make sure light switches are at the entrances to all rooms.
6. Install lights that automatically turn on at dusk.
7. Write notes in large dark letters.
8. Suggest a larger television or an easier-to-view black-and-white TV.
9. Buy lubricating eye drops that help prevent dryness, which makes eyes itch and burn.
10. Wear bright colors when you visit.
11. Provide large-print books, newspapers, and magazines.
12. Decrease glare by covering shiny surfaces and adding blinds or shades to windows with bright sunlight.
13. Check to see that certain medications are not the cause of blurred vision.
14. For persons who are unable to enjoy reading on their own, provide books on tape.
15. Provide sunglasses with 100% UV protection to cut down on glare.