Injury Prevention in the Visually Impaired

With an aging population in the US, the number of those with visual impairments is also rising. Visual impairments increase the risk of falls, injuries, and other deficiencies, but there are several potential strategies to prevent these injuries. Members of the healthcare team can help visually impaired patients by discussing home modifications, exercise plans, health assessments, and educational efforts. Homes can be made safer with modifications such as installation of assistive devices, using non-slip footwear, having adequate lighting, establishing routines, and removing trip hazards. Although patients may have concerns about exercising with visual impairments, low vision specialists and physical therapists can work with patients to use assistive devices for exercise and discuss potential barriers for exercising safely. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of falls by improving mobility, so patients should be encouraged to set personalized goals for exercise. A thorough healthcare assessment may also include a review of medications lists in effort to reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy. Providers can educate patients about limitations that may affect them and local resources, such as low vision clinics or programs offered at the state and national level. Ophthalmologists should also instruct their monocular or functionally monocular patients regarding recommendations for eye protection. Lastly, checklists can be a helpful tool for visually impaired patients to implement strategies to reduce the risk of injury. The CDC and the American Foundation for the Blind offer checklists that can aid in identifying environmental hazards. Implementing strategies to improve patient safety can be lifechanging, and we can all play a role in helping to prevent injuries to patients with visual impairments.