When a family member or friend experiences vision loss, it can be difficult for everyone involved. We understand that you want to offer support and care, while also maintaining your loved one’s independence and quality of life.
Our resources are here to provide guidance on how you can assist your loved one, as well as offer support for you as a caregiver. From practical tips to emotional support, we’re here to help you and your loved ones navigate this journey together.
Listen
Just be there for your friend or loved one, ready to listen and engage in open conversations. Let them know that you’re there to lend a supportive ear and reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey.
Mind offer some useful tips on supporting a loved one through a difficult situation on their website here.
It is always useful for you as a loved one to seek support for yourself when you need it.
Access Professional Support
Although you may want to help your loved one in any way possible, it’s important to understand that everyone’s experience with sight loss is different. There may be situations where seeking advice and support from an expert is the best option for your loved one. This is where Galloways can step in to help through Sight Loss Support.
If the emotional pressure of the situation is becoming overwhelming, speaking to a GP for advice on coping strategies and further help is always advised. Keeping on top of mental health is crucial.
Some organisations who specialise in advice and guidance during life’s difficult spells are listed below should you need their support.
- Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
- If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline.
- Call Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234.
Avoid smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting or avoiding smoking altogether can significantly benefit your eye health.
NHS England has some great resources and help available to support with smoking cessation, visit their website here. You can also call the free Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044.
There is also further help available from the following:
Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Here are some tips for eating a healthy diet for eye health:
- Eat a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables: five portions of varied fruit and veg per day is recommended. Â
- Eat fatty fish:Â Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eat eggs:Â Egg yolks are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin which are important antioxidants for your eyes. Â
- Eat nuts:Â Almonds and peanuts are good sources of zinc which maintains the health of the retina, cell membranes, and protein structure of the eye.
- Eat bananas:Â Bananas are a good source of nutrients that can help slow down sight loss conditions.
You can also take steps to improve your eye health by getting enough sleep and exercise each day, being well hydrated, limiting saturated fats and salt, and by wearing protective sunglasses when going out in the sun.
Take a look at the great information put together by the Macular Society on how to Eat for your eyes.
