Patients who have glaucoma, especially those
with poor vision and very limited visual fields, need to be quite careful and
have some preventative steps taken to avoid falling. These patients are a high
risk group and are prone to have bone fractures when they do take a fall. In a
recent study reported in the American Journal of
Ophthalmology
it was determined that most
common causes of falling were tripping and slipping due to uneven flooring
and poor vision. Almost 75% of falls
occur in the home and more than 40% of people who fall suffer some type of
injury. There
are some common sense steps we can take to help prevent falling and thus
prevent injury. These include:
>Clean
up clutter and remove or repair any tripping hazards such as newspapers, pet
items, loose rugs and damaged floorboards or tile.
>Install
adequate lighting by placing stronger bulbs in fixtures to be sure hallways and
rooms are very well illuminated.
>Install
grab bars on stairs and in bathrooms as well as installing non slip mats in
showers and tubs.
>Always
wear shoes to avoid the risk of slipping and if shoes are just too
uncomfortable be sure to buy non slip socks.
>Take
your time getting up from chairs or sofas and move slowly at first.
These
simple fall prevention interventions, particularly those for minor home
modification, should be an adequate starting point to prevent falls. If you or
someone you know has glaucoma
Or
suffers from poor vision, know that they are at greater risk for falling. Be
sure they have a thorough eye exam by scheduling an appointment at Center
for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located
at 1565
North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from
Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
