Many of us have parents and relatives who are getting on with age. In fact, my mother is approaching 60 and my grandmother is 80 something.
As we age, our visual ability decreases. A clear vision is important for our elders to keep their independence, which they value fiercely.
Vision impairment can cause susceptibility to falls. It can also prevent the elderly from getting brain stimulation from word and math-based games, activities which require good eyesight.
The loss of mobility too prevents the elderly from obtaining the eye care they need.
As a community, we must help our elders receive the vision care attention they require.
Caregivers play and important role; so, here are some tips that may be helpful:-
- Be attentive to what our elders are saying. Vision discomfort can be expressed as blur vision, glare or simply that they cannot see clearly.
- Help our elders avoid or control diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.
- Provide eyewear with UV protection or glasses that have a slight tint to protect from eye disease such as cataracts.
- Ensure that the eyewear used is comfortable, so our seniors are encouraged to use it.
- Take our elders for their annual eye checkups. If they are immobile, contact your eye-care provider to enquire if they can make a house call.
Vismate recently visited #MercyConvalescentandNursingHome in Rahang Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (as shown picture) to conduct an eye test for one of their residents.
We used a #FundusCamera that captures images of the retina, optic nerve head, macula, retinal blood vessels, choroid, and vitreous. The test gave us the necessary information to equip her with a #clear and #comfortable pair of glasses.
Our elders are the anchor in our community and we must work together to take care of their needs. I look forward to collaborating with individuals and organisations to advance community vision care for all.
