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Winning Ways to Cope with Vision Loss
Reading. Cooking. Writing. Recognizing faces. Watching TV. Shopping. All of these daily tasks can be difficult, if not impossible, for someone with low vision.
Low vision refers to vision loss that interferes with everyday activities and that can’t be adequately corrected by glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. An estimated 14 million Americans have low vision.
Such vision loss is most common in people older than age 65, but it strikes younger people, too. Cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are to blame for many cases of low vision. Eye changes related to diabetes are another common cause.
Losing part of your vision can be frightening as well as disabling. But low-vision rehabilitation specialists can help sufferers manage better with less vision. They may recommend magnifying devices for close-up viewing and telescopic lenses for seeing at a distance.
Electronic tools can enlarge type or recite books and magazines out loud. Plus, books, magazines, playing cards, watches, clocks, and checks are available in large-print versions.
Adapting at home is important, too. Look for ways to provide more contrast. Some examples include:
- dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets on light-colored walls
- colored tape on the edges of steps
- bright-colored fingernail polish or tape to mark dials on microwaves, stoves, and telephones.
Adjusting the lighting at home is another key step. For example, lights that turn on automatically when someone enters the room may be helpful. And extra-bright lamps can greatly aid reading and writing.
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