Low Vision Awareness

February is “Low Vision Awareness Month”.  Vision impairment can range from low vision to legal blindness to complete blindness.  Some conditions that cause vision impairments include cancer, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Persons who are losing their vision often feel depressed, confused, frustrated, and scared.  Sight accounts for 90 – 95 percent of all sensory perceptions.  Over eleven million people in the United States suffer from a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Low vision is not a natural part of getting older and it can happen to people of any age. One reason why it occurs most often in older adults is that they are the ones most likely to contract the diseases that cause low vision. 

Imagine having difficulty seeing and no longer being able to drive to get groceries, go to the doctor or visit friends. Changes in vision can prevent a person from reading mail, reading a recipe or taking a walk around the block – things many of us take for granted. 

One of the focuses of “Low Vision Awareness Month” is to increase the knowledge of people to recognize symptoms and be aware of causes of vision impairments.  

More than 2.2 million Americans, age 40 and older, suffer from glaucoma.  Nearly half do not know they have the disease – because it causes no early symptoms. Cataracts  is the leading cause of blindness in the world.  There are close to 22.3 million Americans age 40 and older with cataracts. More than half of all Americans will have cataracts by age 80. Exposure to UV rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataracts and/or cancers of the eye.  Age related macular degeneration is also a cause of vision loss, affecting more than 2 million Americans, age 50 and older. Hormonal changes, diabetes and smoking can also endanger sight.

Sensory changes can cause less effective functioning in society and in carrying out of personal activities.  Many older adults are able to cope with changes in vision, but some extra help is appreciated. It is a wonderful feeling to live on your own and to be independent.  I hope that what you read in today’s column will be helpful for those of you who have relatives or friends with low vision. 

• Identify yourself when you approach those who are visually impaired.  Sometimes it is difficult to remember a person by the sound of their voice.
• Speak directly to the individual, using a normal tone of voice.
• Ask how the person would prefer to be guided or helped.  For example should you walk on their left or right side?
• When accompanying a visually impaired person into an unfamiliar room never leave them standing alone – give them a point of reference such as a wall or table.
• When you enter a room or leave a room, say hello or goodbye.  Footsteps and directions are difficult to hear and understand.
• It is acceptable to use words such as “you see” or “look” in everyday conversation.
• When you offer assistance, allow a person to take your arm so that you can guide them, rather than push or pull.
• Those who are visually impaired cannot see the facial expressions such as happiness.  Happiness and a positive attitude are contagious – Express your feelings in your voice or by touch.
• Learn more about visual impairments and the technologies available to help with maintaining and independent lifestyle.  Equipment is available to assist those with vision limitations.