Braille is a raised print found in books and on signs that allows blind people to read.
The system was created by Louis Braille, a man who was blinded during his childhood and wanted a way to read and write. National Braille Literacy Month was established to honor the inventor.
The National Federation of the Blind report that 6.6 percent of all U.S. adults over the age of 64 are fully or partially blind. Learn these facts about blindness and gain a better understanding of how it can impact your parent’s life. Here are the three facts you should know.
#1 – Vision of Less Than 20/200 Meets the Definition of Legally Blind
One is considered legally blind when vision is at or worse than 20/200. That means to see something 200 feet away, you have to be within 20 feet of it. If you’re further than that, you can’t see it while people with better eyesight can see it clearly from much farther away.
#2 – Refractive Errors Are a Leading Cause of Vision Loss
When the eyes do not bend light correctly, it makes vision blurry. For most people, eye surgery, glasses, or contact lenses help improve vision. It takes a visit to an eye doctor to address the issues and improve vision to the point that driving is still safe.
#3 – Approximately One-Third of the Elderly Has an Eye Disease That Can Lead to Vision Loss
For people age 65 or older, about a third of them have one of the four eye diseases that can lead to loss of vision. Macular degeneration leads to the loss of central vision, and there’s no cure. You can only slow the progression.
Glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is often mild, but it can lead to retinal detachment and/or glaucoma that leads to vision loss if it’s not managed. Both can be managed through regular visits to the eye doctor.
Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness, but it’s also one of the easiest to avoid. Cataract surgery is effective at preventing blindness.
Blindness can be partial or complete. It can happen at any age, and some eye conditions occur more in older adults. If your mom or dad is dealing with worsening vision, elderly care services are important.
As eyesight changes, your parent may not be allowed to drive at certain hours or at all. Caregivers can drive them to stores, appointments, and other locations. Caregivers can help your parent with cleaning, meals, and laundry. Call an elderly care agency to schedule services.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in San Mateo, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources:
https://www.nfb.org/resources/blindness-statistics
