Vision and falls facts:

• Eyesight changes with age
• Changes in vision are linked to an increased risk of falls and broken bones, especially hip fracture
• Common eye conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.

What you can do:

• Test your vision every one to two years with your optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Update and adjust your glasses as you are "seeing" out of the right part of your lenses
• Repair glasses as needed and do not forget to clean the lenses!
• Be aware that it may take a few days to get used to changes in your bifocals prescription. You may notice changes in balance, depth perception and some dizziness may occur.
• Some experts recommend that single focal lenses for distance are preferable to multi-focal lenses.
• Reading glasses may be needed, but just for reading. Remove your reading glasses when you walk somewhere!
• Lighting is important for preventing slips, trips and falls. Be aware of glare from shiny surfaces, such as polished floors, windows and surface of snow/ice and standing water. Take your time when moving from a well-lit area to a darker one; give your eyes time to adjust.
• Sunglasses provide UVA protection when you are out on a sunny day, summer and winter. UVA protects your eyes from damage.
• Depth perception changes also. Take care when walking on uneven surfaces, stepping up or down from curbs and stairs.
• Cataract surgery, when done early, can reduce the risk of falls by 34%.
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