Protecting your vision for a better quality of life

Opening your eyes every morning, reading texts on your phone and driving to the store are all made possible through healthy vision. Protecting your vision should be a priority since it’s such an integral part of life. Here are a few ways vision enhances everyday life and why it’s important to take steps to protect it.

A sense of independence

Being able to see allows a person to live independently. Basic self-care — from dressing to preparing meals — is easier with good vision. Eyesight also allows people to perform more complex tasks like shopping and paying bills. Leisure activities like sewing, carpentry and reading are also dependent on vision. Vision impairment can severely affect a person’s ability to live independently.

Risk of injury

^{Image licensed by Shutterstock.com}

Navigating through life is, in large part, dependent on eyesight. One’s mobility is negatively affected by a loss of visual acuity, field of vision and depth perception. The National Institutes of Health reports that vision impairment is linked to an increased risk of fractures from falls. Being able to see what is in front of you is a big factor in avoiding injury.

Mental health

There is a sense of security that is connected to vision. Being able to see what is around you helps to make sense of your surroundings. Studies by the National Institutes of Health show that people with vision impairment are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety and other psychological issues than those with normal vision.

Cognitive function

Cognitive function — the ability to acquire knowledge and understand information through thought and experience — can be affected by vision impairment. NIH reports that several studies show that cognitive impairment is more common and progresses more quickly in older adults with vision impairment than in older adults without vision impairment. The reduced ability to see negatively affects the ability to process, understand, receive and store information.

Quality of life

^{Image licensed by Shutterstock.com}

Vision impairment can also impact quality of life. Studies cited by the NIH have shown a higher incidence of life dissatisfaction among the visually impaired. Many parts of life are altered by vision impairment, including the ability to earn money through employment and live independently.

Looking forward

Since vision plays such a vital role in life, taking steps to protect it is important. Scheduling yearly eye exams, protecting your eyes from UV light, reducing eye strain and wearing safety glasses during hazardous activity are ways to protect your vision.

Making your health a priority is always a wise decision, but especially after a medical event requiring hospitalization. Just as taking steps to protect your vision helps maintain a good quality of life, taking steps to recover properly aids in the return to an active lifestyle.

After going through joint replacement surgery or any other major medical event, consider choosing the most effective path to recovery by arranging a stay at a short-term, post-hospital rehabilitation center like Glenview Terrace. With experienced therapists and attentive medical staff that help you recover, the journey home can be faster and more successful. Glenview Terrace offers this high level of care in a luxury environment to make the process go smoothly.

At Glenview Terrace, the focus is always on helping you get back to the independent lifestyle you desire. Focusing on healthcare excellence and safety, Glenview Terrace provides the latest infection-control precautions, including routine COVID-19 testing and monitoring. Glenview Terrace is also ranked among the top 1% of all Illinois post-hospital rehabilitation and nursing care centers by Newsweek — and has received Medicare’s highest five-star rating. Glenview Terrace has also earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval certification for post-hospital and nursing care.

For additional information or to arrange a personalized virtual tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.