Many things can cause low vision, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. When you can't see as well, daily life may feel more challenging. But you can do some things to stay independent and keep doing the activities you enjoy.
You can start by making some changes to your home, like adding extra lighting. You can also use devices that can help when you have low vision, such as special eyeglasses and large-print books.
You could also ask others for help. Your doctor can help you find safe ways to stay active. Low-vision specialists can help you learn ways to manage daily life. Family and friends might help you run errands and keep a healthy social life.
A low-vision evaluation will help you and your doctor find ways to make the best use of your remaining vision.
Your doctor will ask questions to find out how your vision loss has affected your life and what changes you have already made to cope with reduced vision. Talk with your doctor about your needs and goals. Questions may include the following:
Other questions may deal with your current living situation, whether you live alone, and what sort of assistance is available to you. Your family members or others close to you may also be asked to provide information.
Your doctor will do visual tests to find out the quality of your remaining vision, including:
Your doctor may also conduct vision tests for brightness acuity (which may show how sensitive you are to glare), color perception, and how well your eyes work together to provide depth perception.
A low-vision evaluation may also include consultations with specialists such as an occupational therapist or a social worker who can provide counseling and training on dealing with reduced vision to help you keep your quality of life as much as possible. If you are working with your primary care doctor, the consultations will also include an eye care specialist such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Your own eye doctor may refer you to another who specializes in low-vision evaluation and rehabilitation.
To understand your home environment and your needs, a low-vision evaluation may also include home visits by your doctor or by rehabilitation specialists.
When the evaluation is complete, you and your doctor will be able to identify ways for you to make the best use of your remaining vision.
Look for low-vision specialists and groups and agencies that offer counseling, training, and other special services related to vision loss. They can give you practical advice and training on managing your household and other activities of daily life. These specialists can also help you find ways to cope with low vision in the workplace. Specialists may include:
Many resources are available. They can help you make the best use of the vision you do have and keep your quality of life. Your family and friends can also help you.
Some simple changes can help you make the most of your remaining vision and allow you to live as independently as possible. Here are some things you can do at home.
Contrast helps your eyes to distinguish objects and their surroundings based on differences in brightness or color, rather than shape or location. If you have low vision, you may need more light to be able to distinguish objects with similar brightness or color (low contrast).
Learning to use low-vision aids and adaptive technologies may help you make the best use of your remaining vision.
Low-vision aids include:
Adaptive technology can make life easier and safer. Examples include:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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