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Accessibility features of everyday items
Posted Oct 2025
As winter approaches and the clocks go back, many people with sight loss feel the impact of darker mornings and evenings. The lack of natural light can make it harder to get out and about to work, to the shops, or to school and university. It can reduce remaining vision, and increase feelings of isolation. However, with a bit of planning and care, we can manage these winter months more safely and comfortably by following essential winter tips for sight loss.
Lighting your space
Good lighting is crucial during the darker months. Make sure all your indoor and outdoor lights are working, and consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which offer bright and consistent light, and are cost-effective to run. If you’re thinking about switching to LED but aren’t sure which to choose, ask someone for help. The packaging usually indicates the equivalent wattage to traditional bulbs, so a 100-watt bulb can typically be replaced with a 15–20-watt LED.
For smaller spaces, low-power LED bulbs in lamps can provide enough light to avoid walking into dark rooms. You might also want to consider using a timer plug for a lamp, so it switches on automatically in the evenings or mornings, reducing dark spots around your home.
A portable torch can also be handy, in your bag and at home. It’s useful to have them ready and working, with fresh batteries, for any unexpected situations. Knowing where they are at all times adds a little extra peace of mind.
Staying warm and safe
As colder months approach, it’s essential to ensure your heating system is ready. Start by checking that your boiler is functioning properly and your thermostat is set correctly. If you use a magnifier to read the settings, now is a good time to replace the batteries to avoid any issues.
Since your heating system likely hasn’t been used in a while, re-familiarise yourself with the boiler timer and thermostat. Low pressure is a common issue with boilers, particularly after the summer. If you’re unsure how to check the pressure gauge or if it needs topping up, it’s a good idea to have someone take a look. Boilers often lose pressure during periods of inactivity, which is normal, but you might need to add a bit of water. If in doubt, call a plumber or arrange for a boiler service.
For those using electric heaters, remember to keep the area around them clear, including vents, to ensure safety. Lastly, if you have a gas fire or wood stove, double-check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector to keep your home safe and warm all winter long.
Smart devices
Smart devices are a great way to control the appliances in your home independently. This could be through an app on your smartphone, or a smart speaker like Amazon Echo, Google Nest or Apple HomePod. Smart devices are capable of doing a lot: you can adjust the temperature on your thermostat (and even turn your heating on before you get through the door), adjust the brightness of your lights if you have smart bulbs, and even set timers or routines determining when your lights turn on and off.
With many household appliances being touchscreen these days, smart devices you can control externally are a great workaround so you can manage your home more independently.
If you need support getting to grips with technology like smartphones and smart speakers, our Digital Enablement Team is here to help.
Shopping and meal planning
Winter is a good time to plan your meals and stock up on essentials. With shorter days and less daylight, it’s easy to lose motivation for cooking, but a simple meal plan can prevent late-night snacking. For those watching their weight or staying active, indoor activities or gentle exercises can help compensate for the reduced opportunity to go outside.
Adapting to the dark
The clocks are soon going back, marking the beginning of darker, shorter days. Cloudy skies and reduced daylight can affect your residual vision, so it’s important to be cautious. Regularly check your sight indoors in well-lit spaces to monitor any changes. This will give you a better idea of how your sight is. The outdoor conditions at present can make it seem worse when you’re out and about. When venturing outside, using reflective canes and wearing bright or reflective clothing are simple but effective winter tips for sight loss that can enhance your visibility and help others see you in low-light conditions. Wet weather may further reduce visibility and make it harder to hear clearly, so take extra care when rain affects your glasses or hearing.
Support from others
Winter is a great time to think about the support you may need or offer to others. Cold, dark months can make it harder to head out, so plan your journeys in advance and consider quieter streets. If you typically ask for help when out and about, remember there may be fewer people around in the colder months, making advance planning even more important.
Getting out and about
The weather can be unpredictable, so plan your outings carefully. Give yourself extra time, wear appropriate winter gear, and keep your hands free by using a backpack. Use your cane – it’s reflective and make sure you are visible. Bright, contrasting, and reflective clothing also help you stay visible, and if you wear glasses, a peaked cap can protect your vision from rain. Try to avoid wearing hoods that block sound – hearing can be a vital asset in low-visibility conditions.
Be mindful of streetlights, furniture, and road signs, as they can be hard to see in dim light and may cause injury. Stay clear of the kerb; puddles can lead to splashes, leaving you wet for the rest of your journey. Watch out for wet leaves, which may be slippery as they decay and can make it harder to detect the kerb. If you’re using a long cane, take your time to navigate carefully.
Frost and snow
With frost and snow on the way, preparation is key. One of the essential winter tips for sight loss is to wear sturdy shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. Make sure you aren’t in a rush, plan ahead, and keep your hands free. CMake sure your outside tap is turned off, and drain your hose if you have one, as they could freeze otherwise. Consider salting your steps or paths to reduce the risk of accidents. Give the salt time to work and check everything has defrosted. Dishwasher salt, which often comes in large bags, works well and is less messy than grit or sand. Gloves are helpful for keeping warm, and when you come back indoors, make sure to dry your feet to prevent slipping on hard floors.
Talk about it
Let people know that this is a difficult time for you. Talking to your friends, family and colleagues about it will help them to understand and support you better during the darker months. You may feel exhausted after a stressful journey into work in the dark or perhaps you need more time to prepare when meeting up with family and friends or getting ready for meetings. You might need some extra support with things that you can usually manage and others may not be aware of this so it’s always worth having the conversation, you will find that most people are happy to help but aren’t really sure what you need, so let them know!
Looking after your mental health
Winter can be isolating, especially when the days are shorter and colder. A phone call to friends, family, or neighbors can lift your spirits and help you feel connected. If you’re feeling low, you may these resources and contacts useful.
We have a blog discussing the emotional impact of sight loss.
Sightline is a telephone-based befriending service designed to reduce loneliness and isolation for those living with a visual impairment. Sightline referral form.
Sunshine in a bottle
Vitamin D and SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that usually occurs during autumn and winter when daylight is limited. Reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock, lower serotonin levels, which impacts mood, and affect melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Taking vitamin D supplements can be an effective way to manage SAD. The UK government recommends that people should take a daily supplement over the autumn and winter months (Oct – March). Vitamin D plays a key role in mood regulation, and many people with SAD have lower levels due to reduced sun exposure. By boosting your vitamin D intake, you may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with SAD, such as low mood, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. While supplements can be helpful, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right approach for you.
With these tips and a bit of planning, you can navigate winter safely and comfortably. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Sight Loss Team—we’re here to help.
