How to Help an Elderly Loved One Deal With Vision Changes

Vision changes are easily diagnosed through an eye exam at Eye Q Optique. For elderly individuals, adapting to these changes can be challenging, especially when paired with other age-related health concerns.

If your elderly loved one is dealing with age-related vision changes, it’s normal for them to feel anything from surprise to frustration to relief (at finally getting answers). The good news is that you can help.

Here, Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed share their best tips.

Learn more about their age-related vision concerns

Step one involves finding out what vision changes your loved one is dealing with and what treatment looks like.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia means they have difficulty focusing on close-up objects and may need reading glasses. This is a very common condition, especially as you age. In fact, the word presbyopia means “old eye” in Greek.

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Your loved one might describe it as looking through a cloudy or foggy window. 

Cataracts are common in elderly people, and experts estimate the numbers will continue to climb. The projection for 2030 is over 38 million Americans with cataracts, and the 2025 projection is over 50 million.

Cataract surgery can correct your loved one’s vision by removing their cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma — a condition where your optic nerve is damaged usually by high pressure in your eyes — is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over age 60. Glaucoma can develop slowly and without symptoms (at first) so your loved one might not realize they have glaucoma until it’s detected during a routine eye exam.

The positive note is that glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, oral medication, or surgery. Lowering the pressure in your eyes can reduce pressure levels and help prevent vision loss.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that happens when the macula is damaged. Because your macula is responsible for central vision, any damage can affect central vision, making it hard to read, identify faces, or even watch TV.

Dry eye

The process of aging can affect the surface of your eye and contribute to dry eye syndrome. Certain medications can contribute, too.

Symptoms include watery eyes, red eyes, and scratchy sensations in the eyes.

Make home adjustments for safety and comfort

Once you’ve learned more about the specific concerns that your loved one has, you can make their living environment safer and easier to navigate. This could include:

Make lighting changes

Use brighter, adjustable lights for reading and other activities. For example, if your family member likes to read, knit, or work on puzzles, you might consider adding a bright light to their working area.

Buy large-print books

Large-print books can be easier for them to read, allowing them to see without additional strain. 

Incorporate contrasting colors for safety

Using colors can help them get around their home safely. For example, add contrast (such as bright yellow tape) on stairs, door frames, or handrails to help them distinguish objects better.

Explore vision aids

Many tools can help manage vision changes. Examples include:

• Prescription glasses, including reading glasses

• Low vision aids, including handheld or electronic magnifiers, screen readers, and even voice-controlled device

• Talking watches or clocks

At Eye Q Optique, we can also recommend the vision aids best suited to help your loved one manage their specific vision changes.

Stress the importance of eye exams

Routine eye exams are important for everyone, especially elderly adults. During their exam, our team can monitor for any vision changes and — most importantly — recommend the treatment options they need.

If possible, you might volunteer to drive them to office visits. While this alone won’t undo their vision changes, it’s one less thing for them to worry about.

Listen with an open heart

One of the best ways to help a loved one deal with vision changes — or any type of change for that matter — is to listen. Let them know that you’re there to offer support and hear what they’re thinking and feeling. They may be having a hard time with this change, especially if it’s serious. 

Ask how you can help

In addition to listening, ask how your loved one would like you to help them. Maybe it’s a ride to our Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois, location. Or maybe it’s scheduling a cataract surgery for them, or even just helping them find their favorite book in large print.

Sometimes just asking can mean a lot! 

Questions? We’re here to help!

If you have questions about vision changes or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call or click here to book online.