LOW VISION - A closer look

 

Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks difficult.  A person with low vision may find it difficult or impossible to accomplish such activities as reading, wrtiting, shopping, watching television, driving a car, recognizing faces, and crossing the street.  When vision cannot be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine, or surgery, people with low vision need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence. 

 

Low vision can be caused by eye injuries or disease such as:

     - macular degeneration 

     - glaucoma

     - diabetic retinopathy

     - retinitis pigmentosa

These conditions can occur at any age but are more common in older people.  Normal aging of the eye does not lead to low vision,  Regular medical eye exams by an ophthalmologist are important to diagnose eye  diseases, treat those conditions that can be helped, and start the process of vision rehabilitation for people with low vision. 

 

Vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision compensate for their vision loss, much as rehabilitation helps people with heart disease, arthritis, and stroke.  You can learn new strategies to complete daily activities.  By mastering new techniques and devices, you can regain confidence and live independently in spite of vision loss.  

 

This can a challenging and frustrating period of adjustment - one that requires patience, practice, motivation, and the support of your family and friends.   Yet the rewards can be invaulable: being able to function better in your daily life. 

 

The amount of rehabilitation needed depends on your vision loss and what you want to be able to do. 

 

A team approach is often best and may involve some or all of these professionals: ophthalmologist, low vision specialist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation teacher, orientation and mobility specialist, social worker, or counselor. 

 

Many devices can help people with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and to function better and enhance their quality of life.  Different devices may be needed for different tasks.  Before purchasing a device, consider talking to a trained professional who can help you determine what will best meet your needs.  Remember that you will need training and practice to become skilled at using any device.

 

Optical low vision devices use lenses to magnify objects, making them easier to see.  

 

Magnifying spectacles are stronger thatn ordinary glasses.  They can be used for near tasks such as reading, threading a needle, or any activity that requires close, detailed vision.  Using them requires holding the printed page or object closer than usual in order to keep things in focus.  With practice, this becomes comfortable.  An advantage of magnifying spectacles is that the hands remain free to hold the reading material or perform tasks.  Stand magnifiers rest directly on the reading material, keeping the lens at the proper distance fromthe page.  Some stand magnifiers also have a built-in light.  The ability to rest the magnifier on the page is useful to patients with a tremor or arthritis.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hand magnifiers are available in varying strengths to suit different people and tasks.  Reading material is not necessarily held as close to the face as with magnifiying spectacles.  Some models come with a built-in light.  High-quality and high-powered magnifiers are oftern available only in specialized stores or through vision rehabilitation professionals.  

 

Vision rehabilitation services may be provided by doctors, hospitals, vision rehabilitation centers, and government and private agencies.  Below is a list of organizations that may be able to offer resources. 

 

American Foundation for the Blind

(800) 232-5463 

 

Lighthoue International

(800) 829-0500

 

National Association for Visually Handicapped

(212) 889-3141

 

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

(800) 424-8567