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 The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an
appointment.
The Eye Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield
Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey
07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
