Vision Impairment and Older Adults
By Robert Goodman, MSW
While visual impairments are NOT a normal part of aging, it is estimated that vision loss affects millions of older adults each year. The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International reports that 17% of adults age 65-74 and 26% of Americans over age 75 report some form of vision impairment. The leading causes of vision impairment among older adults are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Loss of vision is a leading cause of lost independence among older adults. Visual impairments are a major risk factor for falls and hip fractures. One in three individuals aged 65 and older will fall each year and may represent the most serious problem facing elderly individuals in the United States. Acute illness only accounts for 10% of falls in older adults, with the remaining 90% being due to the presence of multiple risk factors such as vision loss and other sensory issues.
Vision loss can decrease visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, color discrimination, and the ability to adapt in different lighting conditions. By themselves, each of these vision impairments may cause an individual not to see hazards that are present, thereby causing a fall, stumble, or trip.
Vision loss can affect one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (dressing, eating, grooming, bathing, and housekeeping). It can mean loss of ability to drive or participate in leisure activities.
Vision loss does not have to mean dependence on others. Persons with visual impairments can still lead independent lives and fully participate in activities in their community. There are many resources available to help one become and remain independent. Agencies for the blind provide training in activities of daily living and teach mobility skills. There are organizations that provide books in large print and on tape.
There are things you can do to help make your home more accessible. Bright lights are available from many retailers. Use color contrast to help differentiate different surfaces. Black on white or black on yellow are good color combinations. Use large letters or raised dots to mark your appliances. You may want to consider getting rid of small rugs. The Lighthouse for the Blind can teach you these skills and help modify your home to make it easier to get around.
Reading material is available in large print from the library and from many private organizations. Talking books are available for people who cannot read print. There are special low vision aids such as magnifiers and other devices available from private companies.
Support groups are important in helping a person adjust to visual impairment. We Care in Century Village sponsors a group for people with visual impairments. Participants learn about visual impairments, community services, aids and appliances that help one remain independent, and government programs that assist people who have experienced a loss of vision. Members also support each other and offer assistance in learning to adjust to this new chapter in their lives. The group works closely with the Lighthouse for the Blind in providing classes for people with visual impairments.
The Visually Impaired Support Group meets the first Wednesday each month (except August) at 10 AM in the Clubhouse. If you know someone who has a visual impairment and could benefit from this organization please call 487-2827.
Other services for people with visual impairments include:
Rehabilitation Services
Florida Division of Blind Services 866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200
Reading and Listening
Talking Book Library 888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 800-273-6677
Religious books in large print and on tape:
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 800-995-1888
JBI International 800-433-1531
Braille Bibles International 800-522-4253
Low Vision Aids and Appliances
Florida Reading and Vision Technology 954-525-5311
LS & S 800-468-4789
MaxiAids 800-522-6294
Freedom Scientific (computer technology) 800-444-4443
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 877-870-9849
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
We Care 487-2827
General Information
Lighthouse International 800-829-0500
Prevent Blindness America 800-331-2020
Macular Degeneration Association 941- 870-4399
American Macular Degeneration Foundation 888-622-8527
Blinded Veterans Association 800-669-7079
Canadian National Institute for the Blind 800-563-2642
For more information on vision impairment and statistics log onto www.lighthouse.org/research/statistics-on-vision-impairment.
