Maximizing Hope and Independence for Those with Low Vision
Though many things are prospering in today’s booming society, being able to see without glasses is becoming novelty. According to recent research the wide variety of Americans who are visually impaired—consisting of people with low vision— is predicted to double to more than eight million by 2050.
Impaired vision is when individuals strain to see, even with the assistance of visual aids such as glasses, contacts or surgery. Individuals who suffer from this disorder often have difficulties participating in everyday tasks, such as laundry, grocery shopping and maintaining a job.
The majority of people who are effected by low vision are over the age of sixty five. Their vision loss is usually attributed to medical conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Those under the age of sixty five who experience sub-par vision have the disorder because of genetic eye conditions, infections or an autoimmune disease.
Since vision loss leaves individuals feeling helpless, we’re here to help restore your sense of independence. If you experience vision loss, it’s important to discuss your condition with a qualified eye care professional and speak to a low vision specialist immediately.
Finding an ophthalmologist or optometrist is key because these professionals are trained to help you get the most out of your remaining vision. The specialists will steer patients in the right direction and allow them to live a fuller and more productive life. A good eye doctor will establish a vision rehabilitation plan tailored to your abilities and goals and recommend visual aid devices. The care-plan established with your physician is designed to help you reach as much clarity as possible.
Partaking in vision rehabilitation is vital, it maximizes your independence and helps individuals feel more included in society. These services are offered via the competent training and state-of-the-art equipment possessed by a team of qualified eye-care professionals.
These specialists work collectively to educate people with vision loss a variety of skills, including the following:
- The use of magnifying and adaptive devices
- Navigating safely around the house and in public
- Performing every day activities including cooking, shopping, and reading
- Finding assets and support
Low vision research efforts, including learning how the brain adapts to vision loss; finding strategies to improve vision rehabilitation; and developing new technology that help people with low vision to read, shop, and find their way in unfamiliar locations will help people with low vision make the most of their remaining sight and preserve their independence and quality of life.
