Vision loss can have a profound effect on an elder’s quality of life. In conjunction with Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month (April), Jewish Home, a leader among program providers for low vision elders, offers tips on eye health.
Low vision is visual impairment, not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, that interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. The leading causes of low vision are age-related diseases – macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 45 percent of all cases.
• Eyes become watery, with a persistent discharge or crust.
• Over the age of 70? Make your annual eye care appointment.
• For those between 40 and 70 years old, unless there are existing eye and vision issues, eye exams are only necessary every two to four years.
• Don’t share eye medications, glasses or eye drops.
• Use a clean towel and water to wash your face every morning. Use plain water to wipe your eyelid well to prevent infection.
• Do not use public towels or dirty hands to rub your eyes.
• A diet high in Vitamin A and proteins is ideal for optimal eye health. Multivitamins containing vitamins A, D, and C can help, too.
• Smoking isn’t healthy for any part of your body. Quit smoking, and your eyes will thank you.
• Wear protective sunglasses. Damaging UV-A and UV-B rays can’t penetrate your super cool shades.
• Decreased tear production, itchiness and dry eyes are a common side effect for women who are post-menopausal. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help, or in severe cases, prescriptions are available.
• Read under natural light or steady soft lighting.
• The “eye-deal” distance from eyes to page? 12 inches.
• “Flat” paper (versus glossy) is easier to read, as is print that is clear and large.
• Magnifiers, penlights or even trying out one of the book and newspaper magnifying machines (which many libraries, adult day center and nursing homes offer) may help bring the printed word into focus.
• Whether looking at a computer screen, reading a book or composing a letter, give your eyes a breather. When your eyes feel tired, take a break by closing your eyes or focusing on objects in the distance. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds to reduce eyestrain.
HOW IS JEWISH HOME HELPING SENIORS WITH LOW VISION?
Jewish Home offers programs that target seniors with low vision, from those who need moderate help to those who need more support.
The Guild Institute for Vision and Aging at the Bronx campus of Jewish Home is a newly renovated 38-bed unit specifically designed for residents with low vision. Staff is trained in a vision loss and education and training program called SightCare, unique to The Jewish Guild for the Blind. It offers on-site social work services, a broad range of patient-centered medical, vision, low vision rehab and mental health services and coordination of care with family and community organizations.
Located on the Bronx Campus of Jewish Home, the Adult Care Center for the Visually Impaired caters to the visually impaired who also require persistent medical monitoring. The program offers: round-trip transportation; training in adaptive skills, orientation, mobility and communication; nursing supervision; medical monitoring; and occupational, physical and speech therapies.
Kittay Senior Apartments, New York’s alternative to assisted living, is a friendly choice for the visually impaired. Staff is specially trained in supporting the visually impaired both physically and emotionally. Residents are welcome to partake in a low vision support group. Kittay House has made efforts to include low vision residents in every aspect of its community. For example, the choir director purchased magnifying glasses for singers with low vision. Other amenities include: color contrasting paint in the hallways and doorways, and color coded floors; enhanced contrast lighting in rooms and hallways; safety bars are along the hallway; and talking elevators.