Health Care: I Can See Clearly Now!

As you get older, changes in vision can increase your risk of a fall. Diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma can alter depth perception, visual sharpness, side vision and susceptibility to glare.

To improve your vision:

Have your vision checked regularly by an eye doctor.
Clean your eyeglasses daily and replace scratched lenses.
Make sure you are using the right glasses. Reading glasses should not be used while walking.
Wait for your eyes to adjust to new lighting before moving.
Use sunglasses with UV protection on bright days (summer and winter) to reduce glare outside.

A few simple changes to your home can brighten your way:

Install adequate lighting in all areas, including stairways and outside your home.
Outline the edge of stairs with bright coloured adhesive strips.
Replace burnt out bulbs promptly.
Light up your pathway to the bathroom with night-lights.
Put light switches near every door and at the top and bottom of stairways.
Put a lamp within easy reach of your bed. Keep a flashlight near your bed just in case.
Reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, and shades or globes on light fixtures.
Wipe up liquid spills right away. They may be hard to see if you leave them.

(Information from the Halton Region Health Department).

For more information please call the Department at 905.825.6060 ext. 7113.

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