Vision Loss A Challenge But Eye Glasses Can Help

6 million or more people in the United States over 55, don’t see all that well anymore and for that matter 40% of people of any age need corrective lenses. Those that are lucky enough to have perfect vision for 55 years are very fortunate and if the day comes when the street signs are not as easy to read; they are in good company. Fortunately for all afflicted there are hundreds of tools and techniques to help overcome declining vision.

One positive mantra is that decline in vision is a challenge not a handicap. A minor near or farsighted vision is an inconvenience and only a problem if you let it be. Vision changes are something that we can learn to work around and live well with. Here are a few tips;

Bright light – think floodlights. The pupil gets a bit lazy as life goes on so help yourself and get bright lights anywhere you need to see detail. Sometimes you can just change the light bulb to a brighter style, I suggest the new LED lights to conserve energy, and, they are bright as bright can be. If a new bulb isn’t enough get a goose neck light that can be focused right on your work. 

Magnify – The world of reading glasses has evolved since liberian glasses on a chain. There are plenty of stylish glasses but glasses are not the only option. There are free standing magnifying tools in every shape and size including thin book sized sheets that can rest right on a book. Speaking of books, there are large print versions of most books at your local library.

Color is your friend – Jazz up your pill bottles with bright patterned tape or colored stickers on the cap so you can remember ‘blue flowers in the morning’ or ‘red with flames’ for blood pressure. Colored tags are handy on just about anything and are far easier to spot then black and white text. 

Use technology – audio books are great alternatives to a paperback. Kindle and most tablets allow for increased text size on any EBook, and, text on most websites can be zoomed under the preference or setting menu.

Do not take vision loss lightly – Vision is not necessarily just another thing that ‘goes’. Get regular exams and if any sudden vision loss occurs go to a doctor. There are many serious eye issues that can be cured before they cause permanent damage but only if they are seen to early. 

Research – Look into vitamins and exercises and discuss them with your doctor to see if there is something you can do to strengthen your eyes. 

If you do find your vision declining choose to make the best of it and own it. Most of our unhappiness is in our mind and keeping a positive outlook will help as much as any other tip. Here are a few humorous things about declining eyesight;

- If you don’t want to talk to someone you see in the grocery store you can claim you didn’t see them.
- Large print books – you will always look like you are reading and epic Moby Dick.
- Instant excuse if your socks don’t match
- People with glasses look smarter

Anytime you get frustrated just take a breath and count your blessings. Get yourself some glasses and don’t feel bad about using a tool. You don’t feel bad using a hammer correct? Use your brain and humor and a snazzy set of cheaters to erase any impact that declining vision might have.