Helping aging parents stay on top of vision care

It can be tough to watch parents age and develop health conditions. Getting older can increase an older adult’s risk for serious vision conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. But this is important to remember — vision loss doesn’t have to be a part of growing older.¹ 

Adult children and other caregivers can help older adults take care of their eyes. They can notice vision problems early and assist with daily activities or getting the care they need. 

That help is key. If older adults lose their eyesight, they have more trouble doing everyday tasks. This includes activities such as reading, cleaning, driving and taking medications. 

Vision problems can also raise the risk of injuries. About 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year, and poor vision is a major factor.² Regular eye care and early treatment can help lower that risk.  

Find out how caregivers can spot the early signs of eyesight issues. Then read on for ways to help older adults manage their eye care and maintain independence. 

Signs an aging parent may have vision problems  

As people get older, they may experience normal changes in vision including: 

• Losing the ability to focus on things near at hand (known as presbyopia)³ 
• Trouble making out certain colors or the edges of things 
• Needing more light to see clearly 

There are other symptoms, though, that may suggest a more serious eye condition. These include eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. All can lead to blindness if left untreated.  

Signs for caregivers to watch out for include:⁴ 

• Cloudy or blurry vision so colors seem faded 
• A blind or blurry spot in the center (or front) of their vision that makes it hard to read, knit or cook  
• Trouble with seeing things from the side (known as peripheral, or side, vision) 
• Trouble recognizing faces or getting around unfamiliar places 
• Trouble driving at night or complaining about glare 

All these issues can affect an aging parent’s daily life. It can rob them of their independence. But it can also lead to isolation if they can no longer drive to activities. And that can be bad for their mental and cognitive health. 

How caregivers can help aging parents 

Make sure their home is safe. Falls are a big risk when older adults start to lose their eyesight. These tips can help keep aging parents safe at home: 

• Clear up clutter that may be tripping hazards 
• Fasten large area rugs and get rid of throw rugs 
• Install brighter lights in high-risk areas, like the top of stairs 
• Put safety rails and grab bars in bathrooms and stairways 
• Organize kitchen appliances, utensils and drawers  
• Place easy-to-read labels on canned goods and pantry items  

Manage their medications. Many older adults have other health conditions that require medications.  Or they may need eye drops to keep conditions like glaucoma under control. But they need to take these medications regularly. To make it easier: 

• Ask the pharmacist to label medications in larger print labels 
• Use daily or weekly pill organizers labeled in contrasting colors (black print on white organizer, for instance) 
• Keep magnifiers near medications to make it easier to read 
• Keep bottles and organizers on a tray with raised edges to make it harder for pills to drop on the floor if they spill 

Stay on top of eye health with an in-network provider. Search for an eye care provider now. 

Know what their vision plan covers. Most UnitedHealthcare Vision plans cover routine eye exams and offer an allowance for glasses or contact lenses.  

Choosing an in-network eye care provider is one of the easiest ways to save. These providers may offer more affordable prices, which help reduce out-of-pocket costs. 

Seek out support. Hadley, a nonprofit organization, offers workshops, one-on-one assistance and resources to help keep independence. Programs cover topics such as:  

• Technology  
• Daily living skills  
• Recreation  
• Adjusting to vision changes  

Hadley’s workshops are online and accessible for people with low vision and their caregivers. And they allow participants to learn at their own pace or join live sessions. One-on-one guidance is also available. Materials are provided in large print, braille and audio formats to meet individual needs.  

You can also consider hiring in-home professionals. These may include an occupational therapist, who can show aging parents new ways to perform chores like cooking. Or a mobility specialist who can teach them safer ways to get around, indoors and out. 

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Keep on top of regular eye exams 

Adults over age 60 need to see their eye care provider at least once a year, according to the American Optometric Association.⁵ Their eye care provider will give them a comprehensive eye exam. That will include dilating their pupils so they can look into the back of the eyes to check for vision issues and other health conditions. 

Their eye care provider may also be able to suggest tools if they are having problems. For example, they may be able to suggest magnifiers that attach to eyeglasses so older adults can read more easily. 

Due for an annual eye exam? Schedule it with a UnitedHealthcare Vision Network provider. Search now. 

Eye exam checklist  

If possible, caregivers can go with their aging parents to eye exams. (It’s a good idea to get parents’ permission first.) That way, adult children can take notes and ask questions. Some questions to ask: 

• Has vision changed since the last exam? 
• Are there signs of eye disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration? 
• How often should follow-up visits occur? 
• Would new glasses or other treatments help daily activities? 

Caregivers should also mention if their aging parents have diabetes or high blood pressure. And if so, how can they best prevent vision complications. 

Adult children can also mention symptom changes if the aging parent hasn’t brought them up first. These include:⁴ 

• Blurry or double vision 
• Trouble seeing at night 
• Sensitivity to light or glare 
• Eye pain or pressure 
• Sudden changes in vision 

Sharing these details helps eye care providers understand what is happening between appointments. And it may help aging parents keep their sight for many years to come. 

Sources: 

1. Vision and aging resources National Eye Institute, updated November 25, 2025. 
2. About Vision Impairment and Falls Among Older Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 15, 2024. 
3. Adult Vision: 41 to 60 Years of Age American Optometric Association, accessed April 3, 2025 
4. Low vision Cleveland Clinic, updated March 3, 2024 
5. Senior Vision: Over 60 years of age, American Optometric Association, accessed April 3, 3025