Regular vision checks can help prevent falls

In the 65-plus age group, one out of three seniors will fall this year. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.5 million non-fatal falls among older adults were treated in emergency departments, and more than 734,000 of these patients were hospitalized.

Vision concerns

Among the major causes for falls, aside from poor lighting, ill-fitting shoes, or hazards in pathways, is poor vision or visual disturbance.

Dr. Swati Modi, clinical assistant professor of low vision at the University of Houston’s School of Optometry, said one of the most dangerous visual impairments in seniors involves loss of depth perception and contrast sensitivity.

“In people over age 80, 8.4 percent have visual impairment (equaling 945,000). This number will increase to 2 million in 2030 and 4 million in 2040,” she said.

“Glaucoma, a build-up of pressure inside the eye that could cause damage of the optic nerve, impacts one’s ability to walk, such as not seeing the curb in a path,” the professor said.

“We urge older patients to have good lighting, high contrasts between levels, having things marked in the home, like step downs ... and to vary colors between tubs, showers and bathroom floors.”

Common conditions

As soon as an unsteady gait is noticed, Modi recommends using a cane or walker, or having regular assistance. He also recommends regularly monitoring one’s muscle function and blood pressure, as these also are contributors to falls.

In some cases, those who fall opt not to inform their physicians or family members.

“It’s much better to report all falls, so a diagnosis may be made at an earlier stage,” Modi said.

Dr. Paul Scott, certified by the American Board of Optometry, said some seniors may be experiencing problems with their vision without realizing poor vision can lead to falls.

“Sometimes it does take a catastrophe before they see a physician,” he said.

The “big three” common visual problems for those over 60 can be (1) cataracts, (2) glaucoma and (3) macular degeneration.

“Because changes in vision appear relatively suddenly, the patient should determine if it is in one eye or both,” Scott said. “If vision is good in one eye and not the other, that’s one pathway to diagnosis. If both are involved, that leads into another.”

Treatments available

Allan Panzer, OD, PA and Certified Glaucoma Specialist, has been in practice for 36 years at Bellaire’s Dry Eye Clinic.

“Good eye health is essential to good vision and good balance,” he said. “It’s also necessary to have your prescriptions for glasses checked and/ or adjusted as needed every year.”

Panzer said technology now allows doctors to address many conditions that impair vision, and this leads to better balance and being able to move more safely.

“Laser treatments can correct diabetic retinopathy. Intra-ocular injections can treat certain cases of macular degeneration,” Panzer said.

“Cataracts, which are common in older Americans, produces an overall blur to vision. However, cataracts can be removed and the lens inside the eye, just behind the iris, can be replaced.”

Another vision-related condition, dermatocha-lasis or drooping eyelids, can often begin impairing vision in one’s later years. This problem, according to Panzer, can easily be repaired by a procedure called ‘blepharoplasty,’ otherwise known as a lid lift.

All of the physicians interviewed recommended an eye exam every year, particularly after age 65. They also recommend to see an eye professional as soon as possible if one notices a change in vision.