Home / Home and Garden / 13 Tips To Make A Low-Vision Friendly Home

13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

If you are one of the millions affected by macular degeneration, you must know that this degenerative eye disease can make everyday activities difficult. Even something as simple as reading a book or watching TV can be challenging. For example, you can do a few things to stay comfortably at home with low vision. In this article, we will share 13 tips on making a low-vision-friendly home to make everyday living easier.

What is macular degeneration?
It is a condition that impacts the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and occurs when the macula deteriorates or breaks down.

Macular degeneration symptoms
Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and a change in color perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Why does a low-vision-friendly home play a crucial part in patients with macular degeneration?
A low-vision-friendly home design helps people with macular degeneration live as independently as possible while still enjoying their surroundings. In addition, it can provide them with a safe and functional environment to improve their contrast and visibility.

Helpful tips for a low-vision friendly home

Use bright and contrasting colors
Using bright colors can help make objects more visible and easier to see. This will help to increase the visibility of things in your environment and make it easier to navigate. Make sure there is plenty of natural light during the day, and consider installing additional lighting fixtures to help brighten up the space.

Keep things organized and uncluttered
One of the most important things you can do to help manage macular degeneration is to keep things organized and uncluttered. Try keeping all your documents in one place (like on a computer or filing cabinet) rather than scattering them around the house. And be sure to create systems (like color-coding) so that everything is easy to identify. In addition, avoid clutter by storing items that don’t have a specific purpose (like decorations).

Use clear labels
To make your home low-vision friendly, you’ll need to use clear labels on everything in the room so that people with macular degeneration can identify what’s important. For example, label all furniture and appliances to indicate where they should sit or stand to avoid obstructing views.

Incorporate different textures
One of the best ways to make a home for someone with macular degeneration is to incorporate different textures and patterns into the space. This can help stimulate the senses, which in turn can improve moods and cognitive function.

Use tactile cues
One way to make things easier is to use tactile cues – little touches or nudges that help you know where something is. For example, if you’re trying to find a mug in the kitchen cabinet, feel around for it until you find the right spot, and then grab it. You can also put a rug at the base of your stairs so that you can feel it when you’ve reached the bottom step or place a mat in front of your door so that you know when you’ve reached the threshold.

Use ramping and raised edges
Ramping is a gradual incline that can make it easier to get around your home. Raised edges can help you avoid bumping into furniture or tripping over objects.

Install handrails
Handrails are a great way to make homes more accessible for people with low vision. It can be installed on stairs, hallways, and anywhere else helpful. Handrails provide a stable surface for people to hold on to while navigating around the house to help them stay upright.

Use non-slip flooring
One simple tip is to use non-slip flooring throughout your home. This can help prevent falls and other accidents, especially for those with low vision. In these cases, you must have as much traction as possible when walking around your home so that you don’t fall and injure yourself.

Make doorways and hallways wider
This will allow you to navigate more easily around your home and avoid obstacles while walking. Wider doorways also make it easier for caregivers or family members to get in and out of the house without going through tight spaces.

Install assistive technology
This can help with everything from reading and writing to cooking and cleaning. There are several different types of assistive technology available, so it’s crucial to find one that’s right for your needs.
For example, if you need help with reading, special magnifiers and software can enlarge text on a screen or piece of paper. Some devices read text aloud, which can be very helpful for cooking or following a recipe. Installing assistive technology in your home can make a big difference in your quality of life if you have macular degeneration. It can help you stay independent and connected to the things you love.

Modify your appliances
One of the most important things is to modify your appliances. For example, if you have a stovetop with knobs on the front, you can replace those knobs with ones that are easier to see and use. Also, keep cords and wires hidden to help prevent trips and falls and reduce visual clutter.

Use non-slip mats in the bath and shower
Slippery surfaces can make it difficult for those with macular degeneration to get around safely and increase their risk of falling. To make your home as low-vision friendly as possible, put non-slip mats in the bath and shower. These mats help keep water from pooling on the floor, creating a non-slippery surface, providing an extra layer of traction, and preventing falls.

Use bright paint on doors
One simple tip is to use bright paint on your doors. This will make them easier to see, especially if you have trouble with contrast sensitivity. For example, you can add a reflective tape strip to the door’s top and bottom for even more visibility.

Conclusion
A low-vision-friendly home can make a big difference in the lives of people with macular degeneration to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Recommended

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition threatening one’s eyesight and general health. In AMD, the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce the most detailed and sharpest vision, starts to break down and thin, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness in people aged 60 or older. Though there is no definite cure for AMD, some things can postpone its onset or lower its severity. Being aware of family history Family history and genetics are one of the leading causes of AMD. So, if you have a first-degree relative with AMD, your chances of developing it are also higher. Hence, you must be vigilant and educate yourself on the potential AMD signs, such as the inability to adapt to low light conditions, difficulty identifying faces, and straight lines looking wavy. Knowledge of these symptoms can help you reach out to an ophthalmologist and get timely treatment while AMD is still in an early stage. Getting routine comprehensive medical checkups In the early stages of AMD, you might not experience any symptoms. Hence, routine comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. It holds even for adults 40 or older with no risk factors or signs because this is when you may develop early AMD symptoms or experience changes in vision.
Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Dental implants are a major surgical procedure. Hence, you must take the necessary post-operative measures to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the first things you will feel after the surgery is hunger, as dental implants demand abstaining from food for six hours since the procedure temporarily impacts your chewing ability. So, you must adhere to selective foods and avoid some, especially for two weeks. Therefore, here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid: Foods to eat Smoothies In the initial days post-surgery, you may be unable to chew your favorite food. So, the next best thing is drinking it as a smoothie. Smoothies are wholesome and tasty meals. You can make them with whatever vegetable or fruits you like, ensuring they have a high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins. Muffins You might be unable to eat the muffins on the first or the second-day post-surgery, but after the initial few days, you can easily enjoy a good muffin. They are easy to chew and are very delicious. Hence, they can be an incredible snack or breakfast option following dental implant surgery. Potatoes They are versatile and soft. You can prepare them in different ways. So, even if you eat the same ingredient, you will not get bored.
Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in the atria or the heart’s upper two chambers. It causes a disturbance in the typical cycle of the electrical impulses in the heart. The condition results in a rapid and chaotic heart rhythm and poor blood movement from the upper chambers to the ventricles or the lower chambers. Below, we address the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of AFib. Causes AFib, or a change in the electrical signals in the heart, can affect anyone, regardless of age. But it is more prevalent in older people. A few risk factors that amplify the condition’s susceptibility are: Heart diseases People with an underlying heart condition, like a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, have a greater risk of AFib. Hypertension If left unchecked, high blood pressure can strain the heart and aggravate the risk of this disorder. Familial link People with a family history of AFib have a greater chance of suffering from the condition. Sleep apnea This sleep disorder can also increase a person’s susceptibility to AFib, especially if it is severe. Besides the above, other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and thyroid also put a person at risk of this heart problem.
Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that destroys the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. It can make activities like reading, writing, and driving difficult or impossible. The disease typically occurs in older adults and can lead to blindness. While macular degeneration can be managed in its early stages, it has no cure. This article discusses the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The former develops when the macula dries out and loses its function. Wet macular degeneration is a result of new blood vessels under the retina leaking fluid or blood, causing vision loss. Symptoms of macular degeneration The symptoms of macular degeneration can develop differently in individuals, but here are the typical signs one must note. One of the main symptoms is a gradual loss of central vision, which can progress over time and may not be noticeable at first. Additional symptoms are difficulty reading small print or close-up objects, trouble seeing in dim light or when looking up from a low angle, problems with depth perception and peripheral vision, and poor night vision.
What is Eczema and How to Treat It

What is Eczema and How to Treat It

Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. It typically appears around the arms, elbows, and knees; however, it can show up anywhere. As the condition can flare up due to various triggers, it is vital to understand its nature and how to treat it. This article provides a guide to everything one needs to know about eczema, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and helpful management tips. What is eczema? Eczema is a skin condition that can be both painful and itchy. It can also be embarrassing, as it often appears as a rash on the face, hands, or other visible areas of the body. Because eczema weakens your skin’s barrier, you’re also more susceptible to infection. Is eczema contagious? There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eczema is contagious. There are some reports of people with eczema who have also had close family members with it, but these cases are rare and not always linked. Something in the person’s environment (such as dust mites or other allergens) may trigger the condition in someone who has never had it before. Symptoms of eczema Eczema is a skin condition that can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it.
Nasal Polyps – Symptoms, Triggers, and Management

Nasal Polyps – Symptoms, Triggers, and Management

Nasal Polyps are a significantly underrated problem. Most people only experience minor symptoms, so the polyps are often left untreated until they cause more problems. This article will look at the triggers, symptoms, and management of nasal polyps in more detail. We will start by looking at nasal polyps and what causes them. Finally, we will look at the best ways to treat nasal polyps to ensure that one gets rid of them quickly and safely. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are benign growths on the nasal septum, the cartilage that separates one’s nose from the throat. They’re usually harmless but can cause problems if they block the nasal airway or make breathing difficult. Symptoms of nasal polyps Following are some symptoms of nasal polyps: Headaches Nasal polyps may cause headaches due to their enlarged blood vessels in the skull. The pressure from these enlarged vessels may cause pain behind one’s eyes or along the temples. Snoring Snoring is often caused by an obstruction of airflow through the nose during sleep. This obstruction causes the throat to vibrate, producing a noise known as snoring. Nasal congestion When mucus accumulates in the nose due to blocked airflow, it can cause nasal congestion and an unpleasant smell called rhinorrhea (a discharge from the nose).