Can Increased Lighting at Home Improve Your Vision?

Posted: 3/11/2014 12:00 AM by Interim HealthCare

A recent study looking at the vision of seniors found that nearly 40% of patients tested saw better when they were tested at an ophthalmologist’s office than they did when they were tested in their own homes. According to Dr. Anjali Bhorade, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, "poor lighting in the home was the most significant factor contributing to decreased vision; more than 85 percent of older adults had lighting in their homes below that of the recommended level. Our results suggest that simply ... increasing lighting may improve the vision of older adults in their homes."

According to the study, patients whose vision was 20/20 in a medical setting, can test as poorly as 20/40 or worse in their home. Lighting levels were measured in both the clinical and home settings at the time of the examinations. The major concern of doctors is that this will affect people’s ability to function in the home and their quality of life.

Not all older adults will benefit from increased lighting, but a significant portion showed improvement when lighting levels were raised. There is a major difference in test results when “real world factors” are considered and testing done by home care professionals such as an occupational therapist, can show a more realistic result. This could ultimately improve the quality of life for seniors living at home.

For further information about how to improve your quality of life, contact the home care professionals at Interim HealthCare of Shollotte, NC

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