Detect Vision Loss in Family Members with These Tips

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Outlook Enrichment

Posted on

Sep 12, 2022

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Nebraska - Eastern Region

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Nearly 3.5 million Americans over 40 have vision loss, most commonly from age-related conditions. Most people with age-related vision loss will not become completely blind.

In addition to regular vision exams, here are some signs of possible decreased vision.

Reading small print becomes a struggle. Your loved one has to sit closer to the TV to read the screen, or their glasses are no longer enough to read the newspaper.

Color contrast becomes necessary. A dish sitting on the counter blends in with the countertop.

Transitioning between bright and dark environments presents challenges. Seniors may need more light to navigate or read. However, some eye conditions make it very difficult to navigate environments such as darker restaurants. 

Seeing things. Sudden loss of vision – such as what sometimes occurs with macular degeneration – can sometimes cause visual hallucinations.

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Outlook Enrichment. Outlook Enrichment can answer your questions about vision loss. Call 531-365-5051 to learn more.


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As the leaves turn yellow and the pumpkins appear on front porches, you might notice another sign of the season thats far less welcome: dry, itchy eyes.Dry eyes impact nearly 16 million Americans. Colder, drier air has less moisture, which can cause irritation and discomfort. And in the fall, pollen (especially ragweed) is thick in the air, which can cause your symptoms of dry eye to be even worse.If youve ever experienced dry eye syndrome, youre all too familiar with scratchy eyes, itching, redness, and irritation. You might even experience blurred vision as a result.Dry eyes might run in your family the same way blood type and height do. If your dry eye isnt genetic, it might be caused by lifestyle factors, medications youre taking, or a medical procedure youve had.Whatever the cause, there are many ways to prevent dry eyes and treat them with at-home remedies. Here are the most common causes of dry eye syndrome and how to get immediate dry eye relief.What is Dry Eye Syndrome?Millions of Americans experience dry eyes from time to time. But when the problem becomes chronic and disrupts your daily life, it can be classified as chronic dry eye syndrome.Every time you blink, your tears nourish your eyes with moisture and healthy oils. If your eyes dont receive that moisture or dont receive enough of it it can make your eyes uncomfortable and irritated.Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:Dryness and painScratchy eyesThe feeling that something is in your eyeStinging or burningBlurred visionExcess tearing, sometimes with strings of mucusRednessIrritationLight sensitivityBesides being irritating and potentially impacting your daily life, chronic dry eye may cause inflammation of your eyes and possibly lead to long-term damage. Long-term dry eye syndrome can cause abrasions on the cornea, which can impact your vision.What Causes Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome?Before treating your dry eye symptoms, its important to try and figure out whats causing them. If your eyes have felt dry for a long period of time without relief, there might be a few different reasons.Genetic Causes of Dry Eye SyndromeSometimes dry eye is an unwelcome gift handed down from your parents or grandparents. As you age, you might notice dry eye becomes more of a problem.Age: Dry eye is more common in people 50 years old or older. As you age, your eyes produce fewer tears, making it harder to keep your eyes nourished.Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome, especially as they experience changes in hormones due to pregnancy and menopause. 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Memory Care Questions: How to Answer a Loved One with Dementia

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Tips for Having the Senior Living Conversation with Your Parents

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Local Services By This Author

Outlook Enrichment

Assistive Devices 4125 S 72 St, Omaha, Nebraska, 68127

Creating opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community is Outlook Enrichments mission. People with vision loss and blindness live independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue doing the things they love with help from our team. Seniors can enjoy adaptive technology training, support groups, recreational activities and independent living education from a single sourceOutlook Enrichment.Seniors who lose vision may feel alone and disconnected from their loved ones. Through Outlook Enrichments adaptive technology training, seniors learn to use computers, smartphones and other devices to become more independent and self-sufficient. They can call their family members, read books, and keep up with their hobbies and interests.Living with vision loss can be overwhelming without support. Outlook Enrichment created virtual peer support groups that give seniors a safe space to connect with others who understand and share their experiences.When seniors lose vision, tasks like household chores, getting to appointments, and staying organized can become overwhelming. Through educational sessions and one-on-one support, seniors learn adaptive techniques for preparing and storing food, home safety, labeling, cooking, personal budgeting and other problem-solving skills for independent living.One in every four adults will experience vision loss at some point in life. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are the top causes of vision loss and blindness in the U.S. As diabetes and conditions like aged-related macular degeneration impact more seniors in our community, Outlook Enrichment will be here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to all seniors with any vision condition and any variation of vision loss.Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your loved one in their vision loss journey.

Outlook Enrichment

Vision Services 4125 S 72 St, Omaha, Nebraska, 68127

Creating opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community is Outlook Enrichments mission. People with vision loss and blindness live independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue doing the things they love with help from our team. Seniors can enjoy adaptive technology training, support groups, recreational activities and independent living education from a single sourceOutlook Enrichment.Seniors who lose vision may feel alone and disconnected from their loved ones. Through Outlook Enrichments adaptive technology training, seniors learn to use computers, smartphones and other devices to become more independent and self-sufficient. They can call their family members, read books, and keep up with their hobbies and interests.Living with vision loss can be overwhelming without support. Outlook Enrichment created virtual peer support groups that give seniors a safe space to connect with others who understand and share their experiences.When seniors lose vision, tasks like household chores, getting to appointments, and staying organized can become overwhelming. Through educational sessions and one-on-one support, seniors learn adaptive techniques for preparing and storing food, home safety, labeling, cooking, personal budgeting and other problem-solving skills for independent living.One in every four adults will experience vision loss at some point in life. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are the top causes of vision loss and blindness in the U.S. As diabetes and conditions like aged-related macular degeneration impact more seniors in our community, Outlook Enrichment will be here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to all seniors with any vision condition and any variation of vision loss.Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your loved one in their vision loss journey.

Outlook Enrichment

Support Groups & Services 4125 S 72 St, Omaha, Nebraska, 68127

Creating opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community is Outlook Enrichments mission. People with vision loss and blindness live independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue doing the things they love with help from our team. Seniors can enjoy adaptive technology training, support groups, recreational activities and independent living education from a single sourceOutlook Enrichment.Seniors who lose vision may feel alone and disconnected from their loved ones. Through Outlook Enrichments adaptive technology training, seniors learn to use computers, smartphones and other devices to become more independent and self-sufficient. They can call their family members, read books, and keep up with their hobbies and interests.Living with vision loss can be overwhelming without support. Outlook Enrichment created virtual peer support groups that give seniors a safe space to connect with others who understand and share their experiences.When seniors lose vision, tasks like household chores, getting to appointments, and staying organized can become overwhelming. Through educational sessions and one-on-one support, seniors learn adaptive techniques for preparing and storing food, home safety, labeling, cooking, personal budgeting and other problem-solving skills for independent living.One in every four adults will experience vision loss at some point in life. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are the top causes of vision loss and blindness in the U.S. As diabetes and conditions like aged-related macular degeneration impact more seniors in our community, Outlook Enrichment will be here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing practical and emotional support to all seniors with any vision condition and any variation of vision loss.Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your loved one in their vision loss journey.