Most people experience the loss of certain abilities as they age. For example, decreasing vision is extremely common among older persons. Coping with vision loss after a lifetime of relying on eyesight can be a challenge for your aging parent. Vision impairment can have a significant impact on quality of life. Your parent may not be able to read the paper, watch his favorite TV shows, enjoy life-long hobbies, or navigate his environment safely anymore. However, as a caregiver there is a lot you can do to help your parent manage vision loss and become more independent.

The most common causes of vision loss as people age are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. No matter what is causing the vision loss, there are things that can be done to make day-to-day life easier. Here are some tips for overcoming poor eyesight.

Visit the eye doctor regularly

Sometimes the right medical treatment or a good pair of glasses can correct vision problems. That's why it's important for your parent to continue to get regular optometric checkups throughout his life. The doctor can evaluate your parent's current vision and prescribe the most suitable corrective lens. The doctor can also detect eye problems that could lead to future vision loss. One little thing to watch for if your parent wears glasses - make sure the glasses are kept clean, unsmudged, and in good shape.

Bigger is better

Bigger is easier to see, so look for bigger versions of everyday objects. Many books and periodicals and newspapers come in large print versions. You can find these in your local library or bookstore. Oversized playing cards will let your parent continue to enjoy his favorite social or solitary card games. A large-screen TV is a wonderful gift for someone whose vision isn't as acute as it used to be. And don't forget to trade in the old TV remote for one with large, easy to use buttons.

Something as simple as making a phone call may be a problem for a senior with low vision. Get your parent a telephone with a large number keypad. The oversized keys are not only easier to see, they are easier for stiff or arthritic hands to press.

Magnifying devices are another way to make the most of limited vision. You can buy magnifying screens that fit over a TV screen or computer monitor. Also available are magnifying lamps that both illuminate and enlarge the item you want to see. Another clever product is a crafter's magnifier - this is a magnifying glass attached to a cord. The cord goes around your neck while the glass rests on your chest. This device saves you from juggling a magnifying glass while you're reading or working on hobbies. Finally, a closed circuit television system uses a hand-held scanner to scan in pages of a book, photos, etc. which are then displayed on the TV screen, at a much larger size.

Talking devices

Check out medical supply stores and websites for devices that talk or make noise. These are good for people whose hearing is still pretty good. For example, many watches and clocks can announce the time when you press a button. Audio books (books on cassette or CD) are great for avid readers who can't see the small print of a regular book. These are widely available at bookstores and libraries. A voice recognition telephone lets you say the name of the person you want to call and then automatically dials the number that's been programmed into the phone.

Most people would rather be independent than rely on someone else. You can help your parent suffering from vision loss to be more self-sufficient by offering support and providing him with some of the tools available to assist persons with impaired sight.

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