In an average year, approximately 3.4 million people attend hospital eye clinic appointments in the UK. Common eye conditions that affect the eye or eyelids include glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, blepharitis, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye. In this blog, Lynsey Rozee reflects on their experiences of supporting someone who lives with a long-term eye condition.
“So many people in the population find issues with their eyes as they get older. Many have to then undergo treatments, whether these are operations, or injections. Many everyday things become a struggle as society does not consider the issues faced.
Living with someone who has eye issues opens your eyes to the many issues faced. Even the hospital departments that deal with these issues fail to consider their patients, and do not send appropriately large print appointments, so they have to use magnifiers or ask others to read their appointments for them.
Here are just a few of the things which we have noticed
- Large print should always be offered as an option for appointments, leaflets, books, people should be helped to be independent, not forced to rely on others support for simple tasks.
- Some companies send large print headed articles for the blind, these people are not necessarily blind, but can be sensitive or fearful about their conditions. This is tactless.
- Patients cannot always see the amount of liquid they are pouring, they may over fill, under fill or miss completely.
- They may struggle to see both sides of the page when writing.
- They may struggle to read back what they have written.
- Instructions with products are always too small or tell you to go to the Internet which makes it difficult as not everyone has technical skills or people to help.
- It is sometimes difficult to see people around them, or recognise faces.
- Their eyes may continually leak and make them feel self conscious, or they may dry out and look red.
- Some people may find it difficult to keep they eyes open especially in sunlight.
- They often see things differently- black door mats seem like holes, changes in flooring can appear like steps, they don’t notice slopes, holes or other hazards. Businesses can consider and alter these entrances and exits simply.
- So many things can be done to help, for example having a large print menu available, changing door mats to better colours, perhaps consulting charities who could advise.
This doesn’t just affect older people either. There are many young people with vision issues who could also benefit from a little thought. We should strive for clarity for everyone.
Lynsey Rozee