As we age, our vision naturally changes which can affect our balance, mobility, and overall safety. Vision is one of the body’s most important systems for balance and falls prevention.
There’s a lot you can do to protect your eyesight, support your balance system, and reduce your risk of falling.
Good vision helps you see steps, curbs, and uneven ground. Reduced vision increases your risk of falling.
Older adults with vision loss:
- Have four times more hip fractures
- Move into care homes about three years earlier
- Have twice as many falls as people their age with good vision
- Normal vision changes
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Some changes in vision happen gradually over time. These normal age-related changes might include:
- Needing more light to read
- Taking longer to adjust when moving between bright and dim spaces
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Colours appearing less vivid
- Slower focus when shifting between near and far objects
These changes are common, but significant vision loss is not a normal part of aging. Regular eye exams can detect issues early, often before you notice symptoms.
- When to see an optometrist
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One of the most important things you can do is see your optometrist every year. In BC part of the cost of a full eye exam is covered for adults 65+.
An optometrist can check your vision while also looking for potential problems you may not notice yet.
Some eye diseases have clear warning signs, such as:
- Blurred or double vision
- Flashes of light or floaters
- Loss of central or side vision
- Trouble with glare or halos at night
Some serious eye diseases (like glaucoma or early macular degeneration) may have no early warning signs, which is why yearly exams matter.
Optometrists can also spot signs of other problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
To understand your risk of falling, ask yourself the following questions:
- Has it been more than 12 months since I’ve had an eye exam?
- Do I have blurred or double vision?
- Do I have difficulty seeing steps clearly?
- Do I have difficulty seeing objects on the ground?
- Do I have difficulty seeing in dim light or glare?
- Have I fallen over things I could not see properly?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is important to talk to your doctor or optometrist.
- When to get help right away
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Contact your optometrist as soon as possible if you notice:
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Flashes of light
- New floaters
- Sudden changes in balance or dizziness
- Any sudden loss of vision
Many eye conditions can be treated if caught early.
- What you can do to reduce your fall risk
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There are many ways to protect your balance and stay independent. Click the links below to explore a topic in more detail.
- Strength and balance exercises
- Home safety such as good lighting and clear pathways
- Eating for healthy eyes, including foods such as:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Carrots and sweet potatoes (Vitamin A)
- Salmon and other fatty fish (Omega‑3s)
- Nuts and seeds (Vitamin E)
- Regular medication reviews
- Maintaining bladder and bowel health
Quick tips
- Have your eyes tested every year by an optometrist
- Talk to your doctor or optometrist about any challenges you are having with daily activities
- Reduce glare (bright, harsh light) by wearing a hat or sunglasses outside and use curtains or blinds inside
- Avoid wearing reading glasses when walking
- Use an automatic sensor light or touch lamp beside your bed to assist you at night
- Always keep your glasses within easy reach
Additional Resources