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Vision Problems: Living With Poor Eyesight

Table of Contents


Overview

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.


How can you adapt to poor eyesight?

Making changes at home

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.

Using devices

Learning to use low-vision aids and adaptive technologies may help you make the best use of your remaining vision.

Low-vision aids

Low-vision aids are special lenses or electronic systems that make images appear larger, such as:

Magnifying lenses.

These may range from simple handheld lenses for reading to special eyeglasses or magnifiers much like the lenses that jewelers use.

  • Some lenses have a built-in light so you can see things better.
  • Some devices are mounted on stands so your hands are free.
  • Small handheld telescopes or lenses that clip onto your eyeglasses can help with distance vision.
Video enlargement systems.

These are electronic systems that can be used to send an enlarged image of print, pictures, or other items onto a screen where it's easier for you to see. Examples include a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) or video camera. These systems can also sometimes adjust brightness and contrast to make the enlarged image easier to see. Some video systems have both the camera and screens built into a head-mounted device that looks like a pair of large goggles. You can move around while you use them.

Computer display and enlargement systems.

Large screens and software that enlarge print, pictures, and other visual information are available. Computers also allow you to alter brightness, contrast, color, and other parts of the display. This can make it easier to see what's on the screen. Computers are sometimes used with video enlargement systems.

Adaptive technology

Adaptive technology is used in devices or products that may not help you see better but can make life easier and safer. Many are designed to help you perform common tasks that may be harder when you have impaired vision. Examples include:

Large-print items.

Books, newspapers, magazines, medicine labels, bank checks, and playing cards are often available in large print. Many people with low vision also use audio versions of books and other printed materials.

Special papers and writing aids.

These may be something as simple as paper with extra-bold lines that help you write information on checks in the proper spaces.

Adaptive appliances.

These are common household items that have been adapted for use by people with low vision. Examples are clocks and watches with electronic voices that announce the time. Or you can find clocks, telephones, and home appliances with extra-large buttons and numerals that are easier to see.

Speech software for computer systems.

Special software allows computers to recognize spoken commands or to convert dictated speech into text. Speech synthesis software allows computers to speak text and read documents.

Optical character recognition (OCR) software.

OCR systems allow you to scan documents and convert them into computer text. Then the text can be enlarged for display or read aloud by a speech synthesis program.

Some of these measures are easy to build into your life. Others require big changes in the way that you do things at home, at work, or elsewhere. Some measures, such as computer programs or electronic systems, can cost a lot. Or they may take time to learn to use properly. You will need to decide which ones will work best for you. If you are legally blind, you may be able to get help through your state's Commission for the Blind.

Using diabetes aids

If your low vision is caused by diabetes, aids that may help include:

Needle guides and other devices.
  • They can help you locate and stick the needle through the rubber stopper on your insulin bottle and help you prepare insulin injections.
  • There are also bottle-holding devices that help you hold the bottle and syringe to safely withdraw insulin.
  • Other needle aids are available.
Adaptive blood sugar meters.

A large-print meter can help you see your blood sugar result clearly. There are also some "talking" meters.

Adaptive food scales.

If you need to weigh your food, there are large-print or talking food scales.

Computerized blood sugar records.

Your home blood sugar meter may be able to enter results directly into a computer. You can print these in large print.

Voice recorder for record keeping.

You can speak your daily blood sugar results and other information directly into a voice recorder.

Staying active

It's important to stay active for your health. But when you can't see so well, you may have some safety concerns. Here are a few ideas to help you.

Getting around

Having low vision can lead to losing your ability to drive. It's hard to give up the convenience of going where you want whenever you want. But you don't have to be homebound. You have options for getting around safely.

Getting support

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.


Credits for Vision Problems: Living With Poor Eyesight

Current as of: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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