How can I tell if someone with dementia may have sight loss?
We recommend that people have regular sight tests or eye examinations to check their vision and eye health. Sight tests are especially important for people with dementia because the symptoms of dementia might mask the symptoms of sight loss. Things that may indicate a person with dementia is experiencing a deterioration in their sight, include changes in behaviour such as a disinterest in hobbies, trips/falls or persistently cleaning glasses.
If you think someone with dementia has sight loss, then you should arrange for them to have a sight test. The optician can then refer them to an ophthalmologist who can diagnose an eye condition if there is one. Knowing what eye condition someone has may give you an idea of the kind of sight loss they have and how best to care for them. Sight tests are free for people aged over 60.
Further information on who can help and how to spot signs of possible sight loss so you feel more confident when accessing eye care services can be found on RNIB's Dementia and sight loss webpages.
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