If your aging parents is having trouble seeing.
As we get older our vision often gets worse and we might need stronger glasses or contacts. But there are conditions that can affect our vision and sometimes glasses, surgery or medication don’t help. That’s considered Low Vision.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of low vision is macular degeneration, an age-related disease that affects the central portion of the visual field. Other common causes include glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes. So what do you do if you or your aging parent has low vision?
Kim and Mike Barnes of Parenting Aging Parents talk with Regina Budet, an Occupational Therapist with Empower Occupational Therapy. They discuss what it means to have low vision, what tools your parent can use to make better use of the vision they have, how occupational therapy can help and why it’s important to speak up if you see a problem.
Read the full transcript
Transcript of Interview: ” How to help a parent with low vision”
Mike Barnes:
I think a lot of us forget that our vision can really impact our mood. If we’re used to seeing and then suddenly we can’t, it can put us in a bad mood and make everything harder.
Kim Barnes:
Exactly. Today we’re going to talk to Regina Budet of Empower Occupational Therapy. Thank you so much for being with us today.
Regina Budet:
Thank you for having me.
Kim Barnes:
As we get older, our vision often decreases or we face other challenges. What do we do when it can’t be corrected anymore?
Regina Budet:
That’s what low vision is. It’s vision or lack of vision that can’t be corrected by glasses or surgery. You might notice it’s harder to read the newspaper, write checks, or pay bills. When this happens, we might need more than routine eye care and could benefit from therapy.
Mike Barnes:
What typically causes low vision?
Regina Budet:
Most cases are age-related conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Our eyes also undergo normal age-related changes, making it harder to process light. Trauma to the head or eye can also cause difficulties.
Kim Barnes:
When you hear the term low vision therapy, you might think of eye exercises. What is low vision therapy actually?
Regina Budet:
Low vision rehabilitation maximizes how you’re able to use your remaining functional vision. It involves different types of compensatory strategies and devices like magnifiers or specialized glasses to help with daily tasks.
Mike Barnes:
When you go to an eye doctor as you get older, do doctors sometimes just say, “Your eyes are getting old,” and leave it at that? Do you have to advocate for yourself to get additional assistance?
Regina Budet:
Absolutely. Some doctors might not know there are low vision providers available. It’s a specialized area of practice. You should ask your doctor about low vision and advocate for earlier intervention rather than seeing it as a last resort.
Kim Barnes:
What are some signs that indicate our parents might need low vision therapy? How should we broach the conversation with them?
Regina Budet:
Reading is a common issue; they might find it harder to read menus or mail. Other signs include difficulties navigating their environment, walking slower, hugging the wall, or hesitating with steps. Ask specific questions about these challenges to get more information.
Mike Barnes:
Vision can affect mood and personality. My mom, who has been in memory care for two years, couldn’t see small pictures and would get grumpy. My dad started using larger photos, which improved her mood.
Regina Budet:
Yes, restricted vision can limit interaction with the environment, leading to withdrawal. Hearing decline can add to the challenge, making it harder to interact with people around us.
Kim Barnes:
What does low vision therapy look like?
Regina Budet:
It starts with an evaluation to understand the person’s goals. Everyone’s needs are different. We determine strategies and tools based on what’s important to them, whether it’s reading or other activities.
Mike Barnes:
While waiting for therapy, what can we do to help our parents compensate for low vision?
Regina Budet:
Magnification options, audiobooks, large print materials, and better lighting can help. Task lighting is often more effective than overhead lighting. Bringing things closer is also a form of magnification. For reading, take breaks to avoid eye strain.
Kim Barnes:
What should we do if the eye doctor says Lasik or cataract surgery won’t help? How do we find low vision therapy?
Regina Budet:
Ask if the doctor knows any low vision specialists. Occupational therapists specializing in low vision are few, so networking in groups or asking friends and family for recommendations can help.
Kim Barnes:
Great tips, Regina. Thank you so much for the information.
Regina Budet:
You’re welcome. It’s good to know there are options to help aging parents when glasses or contacts are no longer effective.
Mike Barnes:
Absolutely. It can make a big difference. If you have any other topics you’d like us to discuss with an expert, please let us know. Parenting Aging Parents.
*This transcript is auto-generated. Please excuse any typos or mistakes.
