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Living With Low Vision
Living With Low Vision Introductory Videos
Introduction
What Is Low Vision?
Optics & Lenses
The videos are in QuickTime format. If you do not QuickTime installed on your computer, please download the latest QuickTime player to view the video.
The loss of vision associated with macular degeneration and other serious vision impairments may be frightening. It may be hard to recognize people’s faces, street signs, and curbs. Reading the small print on a pill bottle, or a newspaper may be impossible. People may fear the loss of a job, or their independent lifestyle.
The good news is that people rarely become truly blind as a result of macular degeneration alone. Most people with this condition can learn to use their remaining vision to continue leading productive lives. Vision impairment doesn’t signal an end to independent living for most people. Best of all, there is a whole array of devices that can help the vision impaired with routine tasks and leisure activities.
Reading the small print on a pill bottle may be difficult or impossible for someone with low vision.
The pictures below simulate how the world might look to someone with a vision impairment.
A person with normal vision or vision corrected to 20/20 with glasses sees this street scene.
A cataract occurs when the normally transparent lens of the eye starts to become opaque. This street scene looks blurred because of reduced acuity, and the colors may not seem as vivid. These effects become more noticeable in glaring light.
With cataracts, print may appear hazy or lacking in contrast.
With macular degeneration, a spot called a scotoma may appear in your central vision. This scotoma may look light, or dark, or blurred. Sometimes, part of an image may look wavy or distorted.
With macular degeneration, print may appear distorted, and parts of words may be missing altogether.
Glaucoma is a condition of long–term, elevated eye pressure. The optic nerve may become damaged, causing a loss of peripheral vision.
Central vision often remains unchanged by glaucoma.
A Low Vision Evaluation
Special charts are used to evaluate your ability to detect contrasts.
If you have experienced some visual loss from macular degeneration, your eye doctor may refer you to a low vision specialist for an evaluation. A low vision specialist is trained in the selection and fitting of visual aids. The specialist will suggest various strategies to help you pursue your interests and objectives. These may include: reading the newspaper or a menu, using a computer, traveling independently, or going to the theater, a museum, or a sporting event. It is important to tell the specialist what activities you have difficulty with because of your vision.
The specialist will probably begin your evaluation by taking your medical and vision history. This will give an idea of your overall health, and identify issues that may affect the use of some low vision aids. To get a better idea of exactly what you can see, the low vision specialist will want to see your response to some tests. Special charts will be used to evaluate your visual acuity and also your ability to detect contrasts.
Let the low vision specialist know if you have difficulty adapting to changing levels of illumination when you come indoors or go outside. If glare bothers you or you can’t seem to find good lighting for a particular task, tell the clinicians — they will try to help.
Next, you will test some low vision devices to see what works best for you.
These include:
- strong reading lenses
- hand–held magnifiers
- stand magnifiers
- electronic reading systems
- telescopic systems
- absorptive lenses (tints and sunwear)
- non–optical devices (lighting, writing guides, etc.)
Vision Aids
Vision Aids Videos
Low Vision Devices
Telescopic Devices
The videos are in QuickTime format. If you do not QuickTime installed on your computer, please download the latest QuickTime player to view the video.
There a many types of low vision devices to help with reading, close work, and distance vision. The low vision clinician will prescribe the most appropriate low vision devices for you.
Strong reading glasses are a convenient option because both hands are left free to hold and move the reading material, or to work on a project.
Hand magnifiers may be tried if greater magnification is needed. Some hand magnifiers have a built–in light source that provides increased contrast for reading.
- Stand Magnifier
- A stand magnifier rests right on a page of print. As long as the magnifier sits on the page, the letters remain in focus. Greater magnification can be achieved with this type of magnifier.
- Electronic Devices
- Electronic devices provide the greatest magnification and highest contrast for reading and near–vision tasks. Many electronic magnifiers can present white letters on a black background or black letters on white, as desired.
- Portable Electronic Magnifiers
- Portable electronic magnifiers have the features of large closed–circuit televisions, including reverse polarity and high magnification, in a smaller, portable package.
- Hand–held Telescopes
- Telescopic devices make an image appear closer than it really is. Hand–held telescopes are monocular, for use with one eye. A hand–held telescope can be used to look at a street sign, a building directory, or a fast–food menu.
- Spectacle–mounted Telescopes
- Spectacle–mounted telescopes can be either monocular or binocular. These can be worn comfortably for long periods of time, leaving both hands free. These might be worn to the theater, a baseball game, or playing cards.
- Lightweight Telescopes
- Lightweight telescopes are ideal for television viewing.
- Telescopic Systems
- Telescopic systems with variable focus and improved cosmetics can be used in the workplace or for hobbies.
- Absorptive Lenses
- Absorptive lenses block different wavelengths of light, making it easier for some people to see. Absorptive lenses may be used indoors or outdoors to reduce glare, to block ultraviolet or infrared light, or to enhance contrast.
Someone with a vision impairment may benefit from well–chosen, non–optical devices. There are hundreds of these products, from large–print books to cooking aids, which can make everyday living easier for someone with limited vision.
Non–Optical Devices Videos
The video is in QuickTime format. If you do not QuickTime installed on your computer, please download the latest QuickTime player to view the video.
Large-print books.
Telephones with large buttons. Voice–activated telephones are also available.
Writing guides and templates.
Talking devices.
Used with permision from the Macula Foundation, Inc.