How the Elderly Can Prevent Falls
Choosing the right reading glasses not only helps you see the world clearly but also plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety. When selecting reading glasses, keep the following points in mind for comfortable and secure use:
1. Understand Your Glasses Type
- Ask your optician whether your glasses are ”single-vision lenses.”
- Single-vision lenses are designed only for close-range activities like reading or writing.
- Do not wear them while walking or viewing distant objects, as they may cause blurred vision, distorted magnification, or dizziness. These discomforts increase fall risks.
2. Prioritize Professional Eye Exams
- Avoid purchasing ready-made glasses without consultation.
- Visit a professional optician or hospital for a comprehensive eye exam and prescription.
- Based on the results, decide whether to buy pre-made glasses or customize lenses suited to your vision needs.
3. Ensure Accurate Prescription
- With your glasses, you should clearly see the smallest print on a newspaper held 30 cm (about one foot) away.
- The text should appear sharp without distortion, dizziness, or eye strain.
4. Regularly Update Your Prescription
- Vision changes with age, and so does your presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) degree.
- Schedule an eye exam every 2–3 years to monitor changes.
- Adjust your glasses’ prescription promptly to ensure optimal vision and safety.
Key Notes from Research:
- Fall Prevention: Strengthen muscles, improve balance, and modify home environments (e.g., install handrails, ensure bright lighting).
- Eyewear Safety: Ill-fitting glasses significantly increase fall risks. Single-vision lenses are unsafe for mobility; consider progressive lenses for multi-distance use.
- Regular Checkups: Eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma) can be detected early through professional exams.
By combining proper eyewear selection with environmental safety measures, seniors can significantly reduce fall risks and maintain independence.