As you age, your vision can be greatly affected. In middle age, you may start needing glasses to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, or you may need them to see better at night when driving. But other causes of vision loss in seniors, like glaucoma and cataracts, are more serious and can affect how you see all the time. Regular eye exams are the best way to stay on top of vision issues and be able to address anything serious before it gets worse.
Westminster Place has senior living options for those who may be struggling with vision loss. Our warm and inviting community offers various levels of care to meet each individual’s unique needs. Whether you need assistance with daily tasks or just want the peace of mind that comes with living in a supportive community, we are here to provide comfort and reassurance. Call 903.329.6520 to get started.
Common Causes of Vision Loss in Seniors
A condition known as macular degeneration is one of the greatest causes of vision loss in seniors. It affects your center field of vision. Glaucoma, cataracts, and vision issues related to diabetes are also large contributors to senior vision loss. Even certain medications come with the side effect of vision impairment. In fact, by the age of 65, approximately one-third of seniors experience some kind of vision loss.
Common Types of Vision Loss Conditions
Different types of conditions cause different changes in the eye that lead to vision impairment.
- Age-related macular degeneration leads to the loss of central vision.
- Glaucoma impacts optic nerve damage and visual field loss.
- Cataracts are cloudy spots on the lens of the eye that affect vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy could lead to potential blindness since it damages nerves.
Just like each type of impairment affects different parts of the eye, the day-to-day impact seniors experience also varies widely.
Effects of Vision Impairment
Vision changes can make day-to-day tasks challenging for seniors, such as reading, driving, and even recognizing faces.
- Presbyopia – The inability to see small-print text and close objects sharply.
- Floaters – These look like small dots or specks directly in your field of vision.
- Dry eyes – This is when the tear glands don’t work well and are not producing enough moisture.
- Tearing – Sensitivity to light and changes in temperatures can cause watery, irritated eyes.
Being aware of these common causes of vision loss in seniors and their effects can help you take proactive steps toward maintaining healthy eyesight.
Accommodations for Seniors with Vision Loss
Residents in a senior living community like Westminster Place benefit from having access to on-site medical professionals and an array of additional health and wellness services at their disposal. These services allow seniors to ensure their health and wellness are a priority every day, not just when they are seriously ill.
When it comes to a senior’s vision loss, every accommodation is made to make sure they are comfortable in their environment and are able to easily navigate seeing, reading, and participating fully in their senior living lifestyle without impediment.
This can include accommodations like:
- Brighter lighting around their living quarters and in common areas.
- Making sure residents are attending regular eye doctor appointments to check for vision loss.
- Providing medical attention by staff if vision issues arise unexpectedly and suddenly.
- Making sure reading glasses, magnifying glasses, light-filtering lenses, or electronic devices with a larger font are available for reading.
- Encouraging the use of transportation services.
By addressing vision loss in seniors, we can support their overall health and wellness and create a sense of belonging in our community. At Westminster Place, we understand the challenges that come with aging and are here to provide comfort, support, and resources for our residents.
Westminster Place Offers Premier Senior Living
At Westminster Place, we want our residents and their families to feel comfortable that all of their health and wellness needs are met. While this includes addressing any vision impairment they may be dealing with, it includes so much more to ensure a healthy and full life. We offer a range of services and amenities as part of independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and respite care. These include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medication management
- Dining services
- Transportation services
Our team of compassionate and dedicated staff members are here to provide support and assistance whenever needed. We strive to create a warm, inclusive, and inviting environment for our residents where they can thrive.
Call Westminster Place Now
Give our team a call today at 903.329.6520 or contact us online to schedule a visit and learn more about what senior living in Longview, Texas, has to offer. Come spend the day with us and experience firsthand the resident lifestyle we are known for. An array of activities and amenities await you in a community of peers ready to welcome you home.