The eye undergoes several changes in later years which can place a senior at risk for medication errors. Learn about some of basic, common eye changes that occur with age and steps to take in order to prevent errors in taking medicine.
Normal Eye Changes May Lead to Improper Medication Dosing
According to the May 2005 online version of the Merck Manual of Geriatrics's online article entitled "Age-related Changes in Ocular Function," the lens of the eye tends to yellow with age. Many people over the age of 60 may have difficulty with color discrimination with blue pills in particular. The blue color may appear gray. Other colors may be difficult to discriminate as well.
This lack of color discrimination can play a role in whether or not a senior appropriately takes oral medications. For example, if instructed to take a blue pill twice a day, the senior may erroneously choose the wrong pill or fail to take the medication because it appears to him that he does not have any blue pills.
According to the above article, seniors may need lighting that is three times stronger than they needed in their 20s in order to see appropriately. Add farsightedness, difficulty seeing due to glare or floaters or flashing lights, and it is easy to see why medication errors may occur in older adults.
How to Ensure Proper Dosing of Medications Despite Aging Eyes
Seniors who are 65-years old and over should get routine eye examinations every one to two years and wear corrective lenses as prescribed. Those with certain medical conditions, like diabetes, a history of trauma to the eye, surgical procedures on the eye, or a family history of glaucoma may need more frequent exams.
When picking up a prescription, ensure that the accompanying drug information is kept with each medicine. This sheet will describe the medication and may have a photograph of the pill. Some pharmacies may be able to provide this information in large print if requested.
If a photograph is not on the sheet, it would be a good idea to take a picture of each medication and keep each with a medication list containing the following information printed with black ink on a white background using an appropriate font size (typically 12-14) with the following information on each pill or capsule:
- picture
- name (trade and generic)
- purpose
- dosage
- frequency (how often to take it)
- special dosing directions (take with food/on empty stomach, sit upright for certain period of time after taking medication, etc.)
- special considerations (side effects, any gluten content, etc.)
Keep medications in original containers and to describe them by ways other than color. For example, use the generic or trade name of the medicine instead. Seniors who have difficulty opening containers may wish to ask the pharmacist for another type of bottle if appropriate.
The pill or capsule may have:
- a shape that may be different when compared to other pills the senior is taking
- unique letters or numbers imprinted on them
- scoring, a line by which the pill may be split more easily
- a shape cut out of the middle of the pill
- a distinctive smell
If the pill is not in the original packaging, an online pill identifier can help, or the pharmacist may be able to help identify the medication. Each pill or capsule is unique and should differ from all other oral medicines. Medication information should be updated regularly to reflect the most current medication list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as well as any herbal or homeopathic remedies.
Avoid Medication Errors due to Sight Changes with Simple Solutions
Many changes of the eyes are inevitable with aging, but the risk of resulting medication errors may be decreased with a few simple steps, such as having regular eye check-ups, providing proper lighting, ensuring that pills are kept in original containers, including specific photos and identifying information that is kept handy and updated regularly, and identifying medications by some means other than color. If an unidentified pill is found, pill identifying tools can be used to help ensure that the medicines taken are taken appropriately as prescribed.
This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always collaborate with a healthcare provider regarding medication schedules.
Readers may also wish to read:
Safe Use of Prescriptions and OTC Medications
Products to Help Seniors Put on Shoes and Socks
Additional Source:
“In Search of the Perfect Font” online article accessed on March 17, 2010.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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