{"id":9315,"date":"2021-01-05T18:25:43","date_gmt":"2021-01-05T18:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9315"},"modified":"2021-07-19T11:36:17","modified_gmt":"2021-07-19T11:36:17","slug":"top-10-tips-for-improving-low-vision-at-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-low-vision\/top-home-tips-for-low-vision\/top-10-tips-for-improving-low-vision-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Tips for Improving Low Vision at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Follow these 10 tips to increase your independence at home, for even the simplest of activities.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Low vision can significantly impact your daily functioning.<\/p>\n

Here are 10 tips that can benefit your ability to function around the house;<\/p>\n

1. Use contrasting colors whenever possible<\/b><\/h2>\n

Contrasting light colors with dark colors whenever possible will improve your vision for many tasks around your home, especially when cooking and eating.<\/p>\n

When pouring a dark liquid such as coffee or cola, use a\u00a0light-colored cup. Similarly, when cutting dark foods, such as spinach or meat, use a light-colored cutting board.<\/p>\n

In contrast, when preparing light-colored drinks and food, use dark-colored cups and plates.<\/p>\n

It is also a good idea to place light-colored dishes on a dark tablecloth or placemat, and visa versa\u2014 and try to use solid colors whenever possible to avoid visual confusion.<\/p>\n

2. Place brightly colored tape on the handles of your kitchen utensils and household items\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Labeling your kitchen utensils and equipment will help you to easily recognize what you are looking for, and allow you to navigate more comfortably around your home.<\/p>\n

Marking the oven dial at the temperature you most frequently use will increase your ability to cook independently and reduce your anxiety in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Brightly-colored tape can also be applied to electrical outlets, light switches, and any other item around your home to facilitate easier recognition.<\/p>\n

3. Mark the knobs on your stovetop<\/b><\/h2>\n

Use brightly colored tape or nail polish to mark the knobs on your stovetop. This is especially important for the back burners as it will help to reduce accidents in the kitchen, like reaching over a flame or touching a hot burner.<\/p>\n

4. Set a timer when cooking<\/b><\/h2>\n

Cooking by time, rather than relying on your vision to determine if your meal is ready will ensure that your food is always fully cooked\u2014 and reduce your chances of undercooking, overcooking or even burning your meals.<\/p>\n

If you are struggling with low vision , contact an eye doctor<\/b><\/a> near you, who can discuss the range of low vision devices and options for you.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Low Vision is Not \u2018No Vision\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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