Low Vision
What is Low Vision?
Low vision refers to a condition where, despite using regular glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery, individuals still find everyday tasks challenging. Activities such as reading mail, shopping, cooking, watching TV, and writing can become difficult.
Every year, millions of Americans experience some degree of vision loss, with irreversible vision loss being most common in those over 65.
Is Losing Vision Just Part of Getting Older?
No. While some normal changes in our eyes and vision occur with age, these changes typically do not lead to low vision.
There are several signs that may indicate vision loss. Even with your regular glasses, do you find it difficult to:
– Recognize the faces of friends and relatives?
– Perform tasks that require close-up vision, such as reading, cooking, sewing, or fixing things around the house?
– Pick out and match the color of your clothes?
– Do things at work or home because lights seem dimmer than they used to?
– Read street and bus signs or the names of stores?
Vision changes like these could be early warning signs of eye disease. The earlier your problem is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and preserving your remaining vision.
When Should I Get an Eye Exam?
Regular dilated eye exams should be part of your routine health care. However, if you believe your vision has recently changed, you should see your eye care professional as soon as possible.
What Can I Do If I Have Low Vision?
Many people with low vision take proactive steps by seeking information about devices and services that can help them maintain their independence.
Talk with Your Eye Care Professional:
Discuss your vision problems with your eye care professional. Even if it’s difficult, ask for help and find out where you can get more information about services and devices that can assist you.
Many people need more than one visual device, such as magnifying lenses for close-up tasks and telescopic lenses for distance viewing. Some may also need to learn how to navigate their neighborhoods.
Ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation programs, which offer services like low vision evaluations, training to use visual and adaptive devices, guidance for modifying your home, and support groups for individuals with low vision.
Investigate and Learn:
Be persistent and proactive. You are your best health advocate. Investigate and learn as much as you can, especially if you have been told you may lose more vision. Ask questions about vision rehabilitation and seek answers. Many resources are available to help you. Write down questions to ask your doctor or bring a tape recorder to your appointments.
Rehabilitation programs, devices, and technology can help you adapt to vision loss, allowing you to continue many activities you did before.
What Can I Do About My Low Vision?
While many people maintain good vision throughout their lives, those over 65 are at increased risk of developing low vision. Working in partnership with your eye care professional or a low vision specialist is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. Good communication is key to this relationship.
Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Professional:
– What changes can I expect in my vision?
– Will my vision loss get worse? How much vision will I lose?
– Will regular eyeglasses improve my vision?
– What medical or surgical treatments are available for my condition?
– What can I do to protect or prolong my vision?
– Will diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes help?
– If my vision can’t be corrected, can you refer me to a specialist in low vision?
– Where can I get a low vision examination and evaluation?
– Where can I get vision rehabilitation?
Questions to Ask Your Specialist in Low Vision:
– How can I continue my normal, routine activities?
– Are there resources to help me in my job?
– Will any special devices help me with daily activities like reading, sewing, cooking, or fixing things around the house?
– What training and services are available to help me live better and more safely with low vision?
– Where can I find individual or group support to cope with my vision loss?
*Information courtesy of the National Eye Institute (NEI).