Early vision loss may not be recognized because:

• Age-related vision problems develop slowly
• Warning signs are often misunderstood or ignored
• Older people, and sometimes their families, are often reluctant to admit problems

Several behaviors may signal vision loss. Sometimes, others might notice these changes in us before we do. Lighthouse International publishes the following list of warning signs that may indicate sight loss:

• Changes in reading habits, such as holding material very close to the face or at an “odd” angle, squinting, and insisting on more light. Failure to read letters, a sharp reduction in the amount of reading, or sitting unusually close to the television may also signal a problem.
• Changes in the ability to adjust from light to dark, such as going outside into bright sunlight, or an increase in the discomfort experienced as a result of glare.
• Changes in the ability to recognize familiar faces or to distinguish changes in the appearance of family or friends (i.e. a haircut, a new mustache, new earrings, or glasses). An individual who no longer greets familiar people by name may be having trouble recognizing them.
• Changes in grooming habits, such as stains on clothing, mismatched clothes, unironed clothes, and uncombed hair. As some grooming tasks become more and more difficult, the older person may stop doing them altogether.
• Changes in orientation or increased confusion, especially in familiar areas, hesitancy in movement, stumbling, bumping into things (i.e. people or furniture), and fumbling for doorknobs. Reduced vision and the mobility problems that it can cause may lead to a reluctance to go to unfamiliar places. The person may also hesitate or refuse to continue to go to familiar places outside the immediate environment.
• Changes in the ability to locate or recognize “small” objects, such as glasses, a watch, jewelry, or keys. A person experiencing reduced vision may grope for objects, misjudge distances between objects, or touch objects tentatively or in an uncertain way.
• Changes in eating habits and table manners, such as spilling food, knocking over cups or glasses, lowering the face close to the plate, or asking for items already on the table. The anxiety caused by eating difficulties created by a vision problem may lead an individual to eat less, appear less interested in food, or prefer to eat alone.

Aside from noticing these changes, there are some simple “tests” that you can do. While an eye doctor is the only person who can diagnose eye diseases and conditions, these exercises are a quick ways to assess your own vision. There are exercises to assess your near vision and screen for glaucoma are available, and the Amsler Grid is a quick screening tool for macular degeneration. Although these “tests” may point to problems, you should always bring your concerns to your eye doctor.