Having vision loss is frustrating and having independence is important. Diminished vision doesn’t necessarily mean surrendering your normal activities, however it might mean that you need to adapt to new ways to do them.

There are many tools, techniques and resources for people with low vision.

Low Vision Aids

When traditional eyeglasses are no longer effective and surgery or medical treatment is not an option, it is time to consider low vision aids to help with daily activities, such as:

1. Magnifying Eyeglasses

These are worn like eyeglasses to keep your hands free. They can be used for reading, threading a needle, or doing other close-up tasks.

2. Stand Magnifiers

These magnifiers rest above the object you are looking at and help to keep the lens at a proper distance.

3. Smartphones/Tablets

With these devices, you can change the size of the text, modify the brightness and use voice commands to help you navigate.

4. Utilize Large-Print

Books, newspapers, magazines and playing cards help with vision

5. Telephones/Thermostats/Remote Controls

These often have large numbers and high contrast colors.

6. Audio Books:

With audio books, you can listen to text that is read aloud. These can be found at a local library and are free

7. Electronic Books:

With electronic books such as Kindle®, Nook® and others, you have the ability to modify the word size and contrast on the screen. These can often be found at a local library and are free.

In addition, there are other free resources such as the Division of Blind Services and the National Library of Congress. For more information, contact us today to with your ophthalmologist about resources and options that are best for you.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, and as you age, the risk increases. This disease affects more than 10 million Americans-more than cataracts and glaucoma combined.  

Age Related Macular Degeneration occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina that is important for reading and color vision, becomes damaged. Some common symptoms of ARMD are: gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark areas appearing in the center of vision. 

Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist with Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Russell Pecoraro, M.D. says, “Age Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in our senior population. Currently, it is not a curable disease, however it is possible to maximize the use of your existing vision, even if it is impaired. While there is no single approach that works for everyone, there are various treatment options available. Your physician will help you determine which treatment option is best for your type of eye disease, lifestyle and overall health.”

What is Low Vision?

Low vision can be caused by several eye diseases, one being Age Related Macular Degeneration.  It is described as “significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.” Activities like reading, shopping, cooking, writing, and watching TV may be challenging, and patients might benefit from low vision aids to help to maintain their independence.

Low vision aides coupled with special training, called vision rehabilitation, can provide skills for living with low vision. A low vision specialist will help determine the right combination of aids for your needs.

Low vision aids include:

• Magnifying glasses, screens and stands
• Telescopic lenses
• High-intensity reading lamps
• Large-print newspapers, magazines and books
• Close-circuit TVs that magnify a printed page on screen
• Computers and tablets

For more information about ARMD and low vision, please contact us at Clay Eye Surgeons & Physicians today!