Low Vision
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If you have recently been diagnosed with age related macular degeneration (AMD) the term low vision may be new to you.
Blindness and Low VisionAlthough many people whose macular degeneration has progressed meet the definition for legal blindness, their vision loss is not blindness. It is visual impairment that cannot be corrected by:
glasses,
surgery or medical treatment. However, a person still has some usable vision that with training, macular degeneration aids and magnifiers can continue to do many of the activities they enjoyed before. Eccentric ViewingMacular Degeneration is a loss of central vision that makes it difficult to recognize faces, to read or to perform many daily tasks. However, peripheral or side vision is still usable. In fact some people, with training, learn to use their side vision more effectively. It is called eccentric viewing. Click here to learn more: eccentric viewing.Low Vision SpecialistThere are many benefits to being seen by a low vision or macular degeneration specialist. They are licensed Doctors of Optometry or Ophthalmology, who are skilled in the
√ treatment and √ management of patients with eye conditions that are not treatable or correctable by medicine, surgery or with glasses. Their role is to help you function at your best with your vision loss. They can prescribe and train you in the use of high powered lenses and magnifiers. To learn more about how you can benefit from the services of this type of specialist click here: Low Vision Specialist Low Vision Rehab
According to the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, patients who utilized low vision therapy or rehab which included a home visit, counseling on assisted devices and how to use them, along with "homework" assignments had significant improvement in their vision.
As you can see, people with macular degeneration can greatly benefit from rehab training. Since this is a fairly new emerging service many family physicians and ophthalmologists do not know they can refer patients to this service or if they are familiar with this training they may not know where to find such services. To find out how you can access these services click here: Low Vision Rehab Low Vision Technology
Low vision technology has made dramatic improvements in being able to utilize one's usable vision at home or away. Learn about electronic magnifiers, talking watches, electronic reading devices and speech to text converters by clicking here:
Low Vision Technology
Macular Degeneration Aids
There are many macular degeneration aids to assist you in maintaining your independence and to help you continue to do the things they enjoy. It is important that you find ways to adjust and adapt as your macular degeneration progresses. You can continue to do many of the hobbies you find enjoyable - you just have to do them differently with the help of visual aids. Macular degeneration magnifiers, cooking aids, large print books, and electronic reading devices are just a few of the great aids that can help you. Click here to learn about visual aids that will help you adjust and adapt:
Macular Degeneration Aids
Low Vision Occupational TherapyLow vision occupational therapy helps the patient with macular degeneration to maintain their independence and safety. They can assist patients in a way that allows them to continue to live in their own home. Through a home visit the occupational therapist will help the patient function at their best by making home modification recommendations and suggestions. Click here to learn Low Vision Occupational TherapyLow Vision Lighting
Lighting needs increase when you have macular degeneration. Lighting can make a big difference in your ability to read, enjoy a magazine or perform a hobby. Sometimes it's the simple things that can really make a difference in our lives - and providing good lighting might just be one of those simple things that you can do to make a huge difference. Click here to learn more about different types of lighting:
Low Vision Lighting
Driving with Low Vision
Driving with low vision is a very real concern for people with macular degeneration. Here are some questions that need to be asked: May the patient continue to drive?
What warnings were given? Is referral for a driver's rehabilitation evaluation advised? Are we requesting a Bureau of Motor Vehicle behind-the-wheel driving evaluation? Is the patient a candidate for bioptic driving?
Driving with Low Vision
Orientation and Mobility"Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is special training to help a person with a vision impairment get from one place to another as safely, efficiently, and independently as possible."Andrea Story, Parent-Infant Educator SESA An Orientation and Mobility Specialist can: 1) Evaluate the skills (not your vision) you use to get around and 2) Teach you methods of getting around your home, office, church, grocery stores, etc. To learn more about this type of training click here: Orientation and Mobility Low Vision Gifts
Looking for some low vision gifts for those with macular degeneration? There are many inexpensive (and expensive) ideas to help people live better with their macular degeneration.The best low vision gift may be the gift of your time such as: offer to take someone to lunch or to an event provide a ride take them shopping or to an appointment give an extra hand around the house do some yard work or house cleaning If you want some practical gift ideas for your friend or family member with macular degeneration, here are some ideas.
Low Vision Gifts
For More Information on Low Vision Products click here:
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√ Clinical Trials?
√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration? √ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.
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√ examination,
