Low Vision Doesn’t Mean Low Quality Of Life
“LOW VISION” IS A TERM USED TO describe a condition that can result from a variety of eye diseases, disorders, or injuries that affect one’s sight. Many people who develop low vision have age-related cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. In fact, age-related macular degeneration accounts for nearly 45 percent of all low vision cases.
Having Low Vision Doesn’t Have To Mean Giving Up The Things You Love
An important part of treating people with low vision includes helping them consider the many tools available that support this condition. Armed with a little knowledge, people with low vision continue to do most of the things they love.
Your Quality Of Life Is Important To Us
Although you typically think of us when it comes to eye care, we’re concerned about your whole body health and your healthy lifestyle. One of the saddest things about low vision is that it often causes people to feel isolated or pessimistic about the things they can achieve independently—and about the things they think they’re going to have to give up.
Here’s some great background information and some helpful suggestions:
We know that, even with low vision, your quality of life can be high. Most of the time, you can still do all the hobbies and activities that you love most.
Start With One Really Helpful Change… Lighting
Even without specific vision problems, eyes over 50 years old simply need more light than 25-year-old eyes. Consider equipping your home with:
- “task-lighting” (such as flexible reading lamps) for specific projects
- overhead general lighting (constantly sitting in an isolated pool of light is not helpful to your eyes)
- lampshades on lights, and sheer curtains for windows (diffusing bright light makes it easier to see)
Be Proactive To Protect Your Lifestyle
If you have low vision—or you care for someone who does—you can act now to (1) protect your vision, and (2) equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to live independently with low vision. This may mean learning to use different technologies that help, or finding corrective lenses that help the most. It all starts with a visit to our practice.
We Have The Tools, Connections, And Resources
For those with low vision, we can evaluate the condition and suggest tools that help maintain active, joyful lifestyles. If you know someone who would benefit from hearing about, or reading this post please pass this information along.