Trips & Falls

How Vision Problems Lead to Falls

Our eyes help keep us balanced and to see obstacles and changes in our surroundings. When our vision isn’t clear, it can be harder to see steps, curbs, or objects on the floor, increasing the risk of tripping and falling.

Common Vision Problems That Can Lead to Falls

Here are some common eye problems that can increase the risk of trips or falls:

1. 1. Cataracts: This condition causes blurry vision and make lights seem too bright. It can be hard to see clearly, especially in dim lighting.

1. 1. Glaucoma: Glaucoma affects your side vision, making it harder to see the world around you.

1. 1. Macular Degeneration: This affects the center of your vision, making it difficult to see details, like steps or small objects.

1. 1. Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness (trouble seeing far away) and farsightedness (trouble seeing up close).

1. 1. Diabetic Eye Disease: This condition can cause vision loss.

How Eye Exams Can Help

Regular eye exams are very important for keeping your eyes healthy and preventing falls. Here’s how they help:

1. 1. Find and Treat Problems Early: Eye exams can find problems like cataracts or glaucoma early, so they can be treated before they cause serious vision loss.

1. 1. Keep Your Glasses Up-to-Date: Regular eye exams ensure you have the right prescription so you can see clearly.

1. 1. Check for Vision Changes: Your vision can change slowly over time. Eye exams can catch these changes before they lead to a fall.

1. 1. Spot Other Health Issues: Eye exams can also reveal signs of health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, which can affect your vision and balance.

Have you, or someone you know, been having more frequent trips and falls? If the answer is yes, it may be time for a sight test.

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