Good eyesight is important for balance. It also helps us move around our home and community safely. Over time, changes in our eyesight and common age-related eye conditions can increase the risk of falls.
There are simple ways you can keep your eyes healthy and support your vision, so you can move around safely.
Did you know
- People with vision loss or impairment are twice as likely to fall as those without.
- Around 75% of people hospitalised for a fall have a eyesight problem that can be treated.
- Multifocal and bifocal lenses increase the risk of falls. They can make it harder to see clearly, especially in low light or when judging distances.
Signs to get your eyesight checked
Changes to our eyesight can happen slowly, and we may not notice right away. Visit an optometrist every year to have your eyes checked, or if you notice any of these changes in your eyesight.
- Clouded vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Dry or watery eyes.
- Floating black dots in your vision.
- Constant frowning, squinting, blinking, or rubbing the eyes.
- Head tilting or turning.
- Holding reading material close to the face.
- Poor eye-hand coordination e.g. missing the cup when pouring drinks.
- Bumping into furniture.
- Falls, including slips, trips, or stumbles, can also be a sign that you need to get your eyesight checked.
Common eye conditions
Some eye conditions are caused by genes or ageing. Routine eye checks can help find and treat common eye conditions early. Click on the common eye conditions below to learn more.
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for Australians over 40. Common symptoms include:
- A slow or sudden decline in the ability to see objects clearly
- Difficulty reading and new glasses don’t help
- The middle of your vision may be distorted or blurry
- Dark or empty spaces block the centre of your vision
- Colours seem dull
- Visual hallucinations
Glaucoma results from pressure increases in the eye, placing pressure on the optic nerve. Common symptoms:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Painless blurred vision
- Difficulty adjusting to low light
- More sensitive to light and glare
Cataracts are the clouding of the lens and is one of the most common eye conditions affecting older Australians. Common symptoms:
- Blurred or foggy vision
- More sensitive to glare
- Distorted or double vision
- A feeling of looking through a sheer curtain
People living with diabetes are at risk of diabetic retinopathy. This is where tiny blood vessels of the retina in the back of the eye are damaged. Common symptoms:
- Changes in clarity of vision such as blurred vision that comes and goes
- More sensitive to glare
- Trouble seeing at night
Tips for looking after your eyesight
- Get your eyesight checked by an optometrist every year and keep your glasses up to date.
- Take time to adjust to new lenses.
- Keep your glasses clean.
- Make sure there is good lighting when reading.
- If you have glasses, wear them as prescribed. Only wear your glasses.
- Choose glasses to suit what you are doing. Wear distance glasses when walking, reading glasses when reading, and only wear sunglasses when you’re outside.
- If you wear bifocals or multifocal lenses, make sure they fit correctly. Avoid wearing outdoors, when being active, or when climbing stairs.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking.
Tips to support your eyesight at home
- Have good lighting in every room and outside your home. Good lighting helps you see clearly, so you can avoid hazards and obstacles. Sensor lights are great at night.
- Avoid patterned carpets and furniture.
- When moving into an area with different light, stop and hold onto something sturdy for support while your eyes adjust.
- Clearly mark the edges of stairs and steps, changes in floor surfaces, and on shelves with coloured contrast strips.
- Mark glass doors, pillars, poles, and other structures at eye level.
- Reduce glare by installing blinds or curtains and using matte surfaces for tables and countertops.
Who can help support your eyesight?
There are many community workers and health professionals who can support your eyesight. Click on each one to learn more.
If you have any concerns about your eyesight or notice any changes to your eyesight, it is best to speak to your doctor or GP at your next appointment. If you don’t have a regular doctor or GP, use Health Direct to find one near you.
An optometrist can help with eye or vision problems or concerns and can also prescribe glasses. See an optometrist every year to have your eyes checked, or if you notice any changes in your eyesight. Optometry WA can help you to find a local optometrist in your area.
Aboriginal Health Workers can help you to find services that suit your needs. They help to provide a link between Aboriginal communities and health care services. For more information visit the services below:
Learn more
When poor eyesight is combined with unsafe footwear, foot health problems, or hazards in the home, the risk of falling increases. Learn how to Make Your Home Safer and Wear Safe Footwear to prevent falls.
