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As an optometrist, I see how aging affects my patients every day. Their eyes are no exception. Losing their vision, and consequently, their independence, is one of the greatest fears older people have. Those who lose their vision are severely affected by it psychologically.

Jacqueline and Henri are patients of mine and both suffer from multiple eye conditions. Henri, a former truck driver, has had diabetes for several years. After noticing black spots and distorted lines in his sight, he failed to seek optometric advice before the black curtain of blindness fell. As a result, he can no longer look after himself and needs help with daily tasks.

Jacqueline suffers from advanced cataracts. She is delaying having a surgery because she doesn’t want to leave Henri without immediate care. She also fears developing macular degeneration. Her parents suffered from it, which left them visually impaired towards the end of their lives.

Older people with reduced vision often feel helpless. But there are resources to support them. Rehabilitation centres offer support and services to people with visual impairments. Support groups provide an opportunity to talk to people who are going through the same experience.

But above all, there are ways to prevent the harmful effects of aging on eye health. Let’s...

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