Vision often changes as we age. It may be caused by long-term health conditions, eye disease, or simply years of wear and tear. Any change in eyesight can be hard to accept and difficult to adjust to, but with the right support many people retain independence and an excellent quality of life.

Vision loss can affect mobility, increase the risk of falls, and lead to more hospital admissions. That is why timely detection and the right care matter. Below we explain the common age-related eye problems, what can be done medically, and practical ways Live in Solutions supports people with reduced vision.

How ageing affects the eyes

Every year takes a small toll on our vision. One common change is presbyopia, the gradual loss of near focusing that makes reading harder. Other age-related issues include:

• Cataracts. Clouding of the eye lens. Quite common in people over 75 and usually corrected with lens replacement surgery.
  • Glaucoma. A group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. It is more common with advancing age and needs ongoing treatment and monitoring.
  • Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. The leading cause of sight loss in people over 50, causing central vision loss and blurring.
  • Family history. A family history of eye conditions can increase risk.

Some conditions can be treated or slowed if caught early. Cataracts are often correctable with surgery. AMD may be managed with injections or light-based therapies. Other conditions, such as glaucoma and presbyopia, cannot be fully reversed but can be managed so the person keeps their best possible vision.

Care options for vision loss

Recognising vision loss early helps you access the right care and support. Options include:

Low vision clinics
Ask your GP for a referral as soon as you notice changes. Low vision services offer assessments, low vision aids, practical training and emotional support. Clinics also link people to specialist charities and services that help families adjust to new care needs.

Support from family and friends
Practical support from relatives can be invaluable. Helping with shopping, transporting to appointments, and offering companionship all make day-to-day life safer and more enjoyable. Family help is often preferred, but it can be hard to provide around work and other responsibilities.

Live in care
Live in care offers one-to-one support in familiar surroundings. A dedicated carer can help with daily tasks, provide constant companionship, and make small adaptations to the home and routines that boost independence. Live in carers can also monitor eyesight changes, support appointments and teach safe strategies for daily living.

At Live in Solutions, we tailor live in care to the individual, matching carers with the right experience and approach for people living with vision loss.

Making the home safer for low vision

Many people with vision loss can stay at home safely when simple changes are made. Live in carers can help implement these adjustments and keep them working in daily life.

Practical changes to consider:

• Maximise natural light. Keep curtains open during the day and use daylight bulbs to improve contrast and colour recognition.
  • Remove trip hazards. Secure rugs, remove clutter, check for loose carpets, and low furniture.
  • Install handrails and grab bars. Put them in hallways, bathrooms and near steps.
  • Use contrasting colours. Make surfaces and edges easier to see by choosing contrasting paint and accessories. For example, a dark chair against a pale wall helps navigation.
  • Use talking and smart aids. Talking doorbells, voice assisted devices, screen readers and talking scales reduce reliance on sight.
  • Reorganise storage. Place everyday items at the front of cupboards and label with large print or tactile markers.
  • Choose nonslip mats. Textured mats help people sense where the bath or shower edge is and reduce slips.
  • Buy useful safety aids. Large button phones, personal alarms and voice-activated assistants give extra confidence, especially when living alone.

Practical support from Live in Solutions

Our carers do more than help with tasks. They teach safer ways to move around, set up assistive technology, and build routines that reduce risk. Typical support includes:

• Assisting with mobility and safe transfers.
  • Helping with meal preparation, medication reminders and daily routines.
  • Setting up and explaining low vision aids.
  • Supporting to attend appointments and liaise with health professionals.
  • Providing companionship, confidence building and emotional support.

Our goal is to keep people safe, respected and live well in their own homes wherever possible.

Next steps

If you or a loved one is facing changes in vision, start with an eye check and a referral to a low vision clinic. If extra support at home would help, Live in Solutions can conduct a free, no-obligation assessment and explain tailored live-in care options.

Call our friendly team on 01245 890 336 to talk things through in confidence or message us to arrange an assessment. Slight changes and the right support make a significant difference.