Dispensing for older patients

We must also remember that age is just a number, it doesn’t mean that a patient is unable to make informed decisions or know what is best for them. Many older patients who I see lead very active lives and like to keep up with times, meaning they potentially use the devices that we have all become so reliant upon. Mention lifestyle lenses, sunglasses and even sports eyewear – they all are still valid to the modern older generations. Don’t neglect the options that are best suited to these individuals.

Ageing and vision 

Ageing brings with it associated vision and sight problems, such as presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions may cause blurring or double vision, making activities such as reading, walking, and driving difficult. Properly prescribed and fitted glasses can significantly enhance a patient’s vision and overall quality of life, with older adults who received new spectacles reporting improved visual functioning and confidence, which are crucial in promoting independence and quality of life.
 
However, while spectacles can improve vision, they also require careful consideration to minimise the risk of falls. Poorly fitted glasses can cause discomfort or distortion, leading to misjudgements in depth perception. Simple tasks such as navigating stairs or uneven surfaces can become challenging. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. 

Dispensing to the older generation is a nuanced process that involves more than just a prescription. It requires an understanding of their vision needs and a consideration of their lifestyle and potential risks

When dispensing spectacles, it is important to consider lifestyle, mobility and environment. Many older adults may live in homes with various hazards, such as clutter, poor lighting, and lack of handrails, all contributing to fall risks. Providing eyewear to enable the best clarity and fitting is essential. Spectacles should not only be designed for visual correction, but also suited to the daily activities that the individual engages in. For instance, bifocals might be appropriate for someone who spends time stationary reading and just needs help with distance vision, but not for those more active. Modern multifocal lenses have addressed the issues of swim, sway and peripheral distortion, allowing more comfortable and safe vision across the board, and recommendations should be based on the benefits of each option. 
 
Frame choice also has a crucial part to play. The patient may have hearing aids, for example, so checking the fitting of the frames to ensure comfort and suitability should also be taken into consideration. A patient may also have an abnormal posture or use walking aids, so ensuring the lens measurements allow for this and the frame fit is secure and comfortable to reduce movement, and ensuring lenses are in the correct setting to reduce vision issues are all important.
 
Dispensing to the older generation is a nuanced process that involves more than just a prescription. It requires an understanding of their vision needs and a consideration of their lifestyle and potential risks. Providing the right spectacles and eye care, and addressing the factors that contribute to falls and poor vision, can make a significant difference in helping older patients maintain independence, allowing them to navigate safely and confidently, improving their quality of life.