Columnists

Maintaining Your Independence With Low Vision

Issue 31.17

One in every six adults over the age of 65 are diagnosed with low vision.  Patients with this condition suffer from a visual impairment that cannot be effectively corrected with traditional-style glasses or contact lenses. Those that suffer from this condition may find it difficult or impossible to accomplish simple daily activities such as reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car, or recognizing the faces of their loved ones.  It can be caused by degenerative eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.  While there is hope for those who struggle with this condition, 50% of all adults with these chronic eye diseases currently limit their daily activities due to their vision loss, simply because they are unaware that they can still find help.  Strategies and resources are available to overcome these challenges

To promote independent living through better vision, the Richens Eye Center proudly offers low-vision services with an on-staff specialist.  By providing the professional training these patients may need to maximize the use of their remaining sight and prescribing effective treatment options that can help them maintain their way of life. Losing vision does not mean giving up activities, but it may mean learning new ways to do them.

Ask your ophthalmologist if you may qualify for a low vision evaluation. If diagnosed, you can be referred for an appointment with our low vision specialist (a visit covered by Medicare).  During your visit, your vision will be evaluated to customize the specialized strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of your remaining vision. There are many new devices, technologies, and techniques that can be prescribed to treat your loss, and a multitude of resources available to improve your everyday life. “As a Certified Low Vision Therapist with over ten years of experience in the field of ophthalmology, I have been specifically trained to meet the unique needs of patients with low vision. This training, coupled with my extensive knowledge of the resources that are available, allows me to facilitate the education of and provide alternatives for all my low vision patients.” Megan Mooney, B.S., CHES, CLVT

Advice for individuals with low vision: You can live well, even without perfect sight.  Recognize that your value to yourself and others does not depend on how well you can see. Your quality of life is worth the effort it takes to learn how to make the most of the vision you have.

Advice for family and friends of those with low vision: Keep up their spirits. Your loved one needs to be encouraged to do as much as possible independently. Recognize the challenge of vision loss and offer help, but don’t take over their tasks. Instead help them make the adaptations necessary to accomplish them on their own.

If you have not had an eye exam within the last year, or struggle with reading, watching television, using your cell phone/computer, or recognizing faces please contact Richens Eye Center for an appointment at 435.216.1226. We strongly encourage you to bring a family member or friend along as well as examples of your preferred activities (crosswords, sheet music, cross stitch, etc.) to your Low Vision appointment.

 

 

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