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Eye Health and Sight Loss

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Published on 18 May 2021 03:23 PM

Eye Health and Sight Loss

We've pulled together some useful resources available to carers of people with a visual impairment. When someone in your family or someone you care for starts to lose their sight or is diagnosed with an eye condition, it can be a very worrying time for all concerned. Adapting to an entirely new and unexpected situation can be difficult. To avoid being overwhelmed, we've partnered with Thomas Pocklington Trust and Tyne & Wear Sight Loss Council to put together some helpful information and tips to help you take control and reduce the stress.

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What you need to know

In surveys, people almost always identify sight as their most valuable sense. But did you know that 50% of sight loss is avoidable?

It's easy to neglect your eyes because they often do not hurt when there's a problem. Having an eye test will not just tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription – it's also an important eye health check. An optician can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you're aware of any symptoms. Many of which can be treated if found early enough.

The College of Optometrists recommends that everyone over the age of 16 should have an eye test every two years, and more frequently if they have an eye problem. Children should have annual tests.

Where to get help

If you, a family member or person you care for starts to show signs that their vision has deteriorated or become impaired and/or they have other problems with their eyes such as inflammation, dryness or pain what should you do? You can call you’re your GP or use NHS 111 service. The NHS 111 service can be accessed either online via 111.nhs.uk or by dialling 111 on your telephone keypad. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

The 3 main causes of sight loss are:

If you, or someone in your family, or someone you care for is diagnosed with an eye condition, find out as much as you can about that condition. Look at how it will affect vision and what you/they can do to make the most of their available sight.

The ‘What do we see?’ video simulates how the world looks through the eyes of people who are visually impaired as they go about their everyday lives.

It’s good advice when attending any eye appointments to ask as many questions as possible and make a note of the answers. Having someone with you when you can go to the appointment will also help.

All of the Eye hospitals in the North East have an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). ECLOs have lots of knowledge on eye conditions and helpful local and national services. By offering dedicated individual care, ECLOs can talk to you about your worries and give you advice on how to lessen the impact your eye condition may have on your life. You should automatically be offered this service, but don’t be afraid to ask about it if you’re not. 

If your sight loss is significant, you may be eligible for certification, which leads to entitlement for support and benefits.

Coming to terms with sight loss can be a massive challenge. Reactions to being diagnosed with sight loss tend to be similar to bereavement – you may experience feelings of denial, anger and fear 

Further information

The following provide a range of advice and support:

If you care for someone with a visual impairment, or if you are visually impaired yourself, you may be entitled to additional financial support. To find out more, call the Age UK North Tyneside Information & Advice team on 0191 280 8484 or email customerservices@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.

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