Low vision magnifier products and information

Recognizing the Signs of Low Vision

The symptoms of low vision vary, depending on the root of the problem. Some people who have low vision cannot recognize faces or shapes from a close distance, while others may not be able to see color clearly. Still others who face visual challenges may see the world through a permanent “dimmer switch.”  The National Eye Institute has developed a series of questions in a booklet entitled “What You Should Know About Low Vision,” for people to consider, as a way to help them determine if they are suffering from low vision.

Even with your regular glasses, do you have difficulty:

• Recognizing faces of friends and relatives?
• Doing things that require you to see well up close, like reading, cooking, sewing, or fixing things around the house?
• Picking out and matching the color of your clothes?
• Doing things at work or home because lights seem dimmer than they used to?
• Reading street and bus signs or the names of stores?

Answering “yes” to any of these questions may indicate a case of low vision and should be checked by an eye doctor.

Diagnosing Vision Loss

Eye care professionals called ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat low vision and the eye diseases that lead to vision loss. Preventive health care should include a regular eye exam every 2 to 4 years for most age brackets, or more often if required by your ophthalmologist, according to Prevent Blindness America, an eye health and safety organization dedicated to saving sight. Senior citizens over the age of 65 should have their eyes checked every year or two to catch early signs of eye disease.

People who feel their vision has changed for the worse should make an appointment as soon as possible, regardless of how many years it has been since their last appointment. Making such an appointment can be a difficult step to take if a person with low vision fears the loss of his independence. However, being proactive can actually help a person with visual challenges take charge of his health and maintain his independence.

Knowledge is Power

The more a person learns about her eye disease or other cause of low vision, the more empowered she will be.  An experienced eye care professional has a wealth of information about
eye disease and is happy to share the details with her patients about the progression of vision loss, the therapies that may help, and how a person with low vision can manage her life with a few adjustments.  The NEI suggests that patients ask their eye specialist the following questions about vision changes and low vision:

• What changes can I expect in my vision?
• Will my vision loss get worse? How much of my vision will I lose?
• Will regular eyeglasses improve my vision?
• What medical/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?
• 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?

Low vision does not have to equal the loss of self-sufficiency, and is not a “lost cause.” People with visual challenges can lead as full, happy lives as those with normal vision.

Living With Low Vision

People who suffer from low vision are encouraged to remain independent by taking advantage of assistive technologies that are designed for people with visual challenges. Low vision products include reading and video magnifiers, talking clocks and computer software. People with low vision may be able to read large print books and magazines more comfortably than traditional-sized print, either alone or with the help of assistive devices. Many people with vision loss will use a combination of several different sight impaired aids to accomplish routine tasks.

Mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation services can teach the visually impaired how to adapt a household to accommodate a person with low vision, and how to complete everyday events such as going to work, cooking a meal or doing a load of laundry. Those with low vision have access to support and are encouraged to take advantage of their support systems; their families, medical professionals and their local communities may all offer resources and support that can help individuals with low vision live an empowered, fulfilled life.

National Eye Institute, “What You Should Know About Low Vision”
National Eye Institute, “Prevalence of Blindness Data”

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