Vision Impairment and Older Adult Falls

Expires on 07/14/2022

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(Source: CDC.gov) alls can often be prevented. Learn steps older Americans can take to protect their vision and reduce their chance of falls.

More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision impairment, and with an aging American population this number is expected to double by 2050.1 Each year, one in four Americans 65 and older experiences a fall, the leading cause of injury among older adults2, and impaired vision more than doubles this risk.3 Falls often result in serious injuries, decreased mobility, and loss of independence.

Preventing Falls
Doing just one of the following could prevent a fall:
1. Do exercises to improve strength and balance, such as tai chi.
2. Wear sturdy, nonslip footwear that fits correctly to help with balance and mobility, and reduce injury to ankles.
3. Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year to reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss and update glasses if needed.
4. Talk to your doctor about evaluating risk for vision impairment and/or falls and how to prevent falls. Health care providers should review medications periodically to see if side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness, could increase the risk of falls.

Make the home safer:
1. Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.
2. Make sure all rooms and hallways are well lit and have easily accessible switches or motion sensor lights.
3. Install handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathroom/shower.

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Featuring Keywords:

Eye Care Services Eye Examination
Eye Diseases Visual Impairment
Journal Topics Eye Care
Journal Types Articles
Medical Diseases EyeSight, Senior Health
Medical Professionals Eye Care Professionals (ECP), Urgent Care Professionals (UCP), Nutrition Care Professionals (NCP), Personal Trainer Fitness Professionals (PTFP)
Source Verified: Health News Organizations CDC

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