Question:
At the recreation center in my development, I overheard some women talking
about “low vision.” Is that something like being near-sighted?
No, low
vision is very different. It is a significant reduction in visual function that
can’t be corrected by regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Low
vision can range from moderate impairment—such as tunnel vision or blind
spots—to almost total blindness.
One out of
every 20 people has low vision. About 135 million people around the world
suffer from this impairment.
Irreversible
vision loss is most common among people over age 65.
However,
losing vision is not just part of getting older. Some normal changes occur as
we get older. These changes usually don’t lead to low vision.
Low vision
can be caused by diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the eye. Many
people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or
glaucoma. Almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision are caused by
age-related macular degeneration, which progressively destroys the central
retina (macula) at the back of your eye. The retina is to your eye what film is
to a camera.
If you think
you may have low vision, consult an eye care professional, who can tell the
difference between normal changes in the aging eye and those caused by disease.
There are
many signs that indicate possible vision loss. Under normal circumstances, do
you have trouble recognizing the faces of people you know? Is it difficult for
you to read, sew, match the color of your clothes? Do lights seem dimmer than
they used to?
Vision
changes like these could be early warning signs of eye disease.
Usually, the
earlier your problem is diagnosed, the better your chances are for successful
treatment and maintaining your vision.
Regular eye
exams should be part of your routine health care. However, if you think your
vision has changed, you should see your eye care professional as soon as
possible.
A specialist
in low vision is an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is trained to evaluate
vision. This professional can prescribe visual devices and teach people how to
use them.
Devices and
rehabilitation programs can help you adapt to vision loss.
They may help
you maintain your lifestyle.
These devices
include: adjustable lighting; large-print publications; magnifying devices;
closed-circuit televisions; electronic reading machines; computer systems with
voice-recognition; telescopes; and
telephones, clocks and watches with large numbers.
Rehabilitation
programs offer a wide range of services such as low-vision evaluations and
special training to use adaptive devices.
They also
offer guidance for making changes in your home as well as group support from
others with low vision.
If you have a
question, please write to fredcicetti@gmail.com
All Rights Reserved © 2007 by Fred
Cicetti