There’s a critical, yet often overlooked, link between vision impairments and an increased risk of falls. Understanding this connection is vital for preventing injuries and improving quality of life. This article explores how vision problems contribute to falls.
Many people don’t realize that vision problems caused by head injuries, aging or increased glare sensitivity during the longer, sunnier days of summer significantly increase the chance of falling, leading to serious injuries and setbacks. While conditions like TBI, Parkinsons, Lyme, concussion, and age-related vision changes are already challenging to navigate, they also come with an often-overlooked safety concern: an increased risk of falls. Seniors who experience glare sensitivity or balance difficulties—as well as caregivers and individuals recovering from brain injuries—should be aware that symptoms such as double vision, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or sensitivity to UV light can significantly impact stability and spatial awareness, raising the likelihood of dangerous falls.
These conditions can compromise the spatial process affecting balance and posture. When there is a mismatch between your visual spatial information and your balance systems, your visual midline can shift. When this occurs balance is affected and you can develop Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS) and the risk of fall (RoF) will increase which can significantly impact quality of life.
- Symptoms of VMSS include:
- Dizziness or nausea
- Spatial disorientation
- Consistently drifting to one side of hallway or room
- Bumping into objects when walking
- Poor balance or posture (leaning forward, backward or to one side when walking, standing or seated in a wheelchair)
- Back pain or muscle rigidity
- Difficulty tolerating busy/crowded environments
If you experience any of these symptoms, there are tests available to assess you. We provide a number of resources for many vision related impairments, including glare sensitivity from age, concussion, brain injury, stroke and other sources.
Padula Institute of Vision is dedicated to supporting those affected by vision related impairments, providing personalized vision therapy programs designed to restore visual function and improve overall safety. Through targeted treatments, we help patients regain confidence in their mobility, reduce fall risk, and enhance their quality of life.
This Summer take the step toward safeguarding your vision and your independence. Contact us today to learn how vision rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and fall prevention journey.