Vision Tests for Home and Professional in Home Care
Is it getting more difficult for your senior loved one to read street signs while driving? Is deciphering the menu board at the restaurant harder to do? There are signs of visual decline to look for. If your loved one is suddenly squinting more, sitting too close to the TV, or holding a book very near to their face; they can be experiencing signs of vision impairment. Sometimes an indication of vision problems is regularly rubbing the eyes and having increased light sensitivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulty with hand-eye coordination and frustration. If vision is declining, it is important to get checked for eye disorders that can be treated if caught early such as glaucoma which can be stopped 95% of the time with detection.
While yearly vision checkups are ideal, it is not always possible. There are ways to check vision at home before scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor. One simple way to perform a vision test at home is to pull up the Snellen chart on the computer. Measure the size of the letter E and multiply it by 2.838. Use this calculated number to determine how far to stand away from the computer screen. Wear corrective lens or glasses, if they are worn daily. Cover one eye at a time and read the letters from top to bottom. If the last line of correctly read letters is less than the 20/20 line, it may be time to visit the eye care professional for a more thorough screening.
Adults without existing eye problems can go many years between vision checks. After the age of 40, the need for regular screening increases to every few years, and seniors older than 65 need to have their eyes examined every 1 to 2 years. Vision tests at home can discover decline sooner and encourage a loved one to visit the optometrist or ophthalmologist before their regular appointment.
A simple search online will pull up several types of vision tests that can be performed at home. There are different types of tests that will check the eye’s many functions such as the ability to see detail, color, and light sensitivity.
If you would like to learn more about the many benefits of caring and consistent in home senior care and professional dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to an elderly care specialist today 423-710-1500! Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, companionship, personal assistance, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain, and surrounding areas.