Low Vision and Macular Degeneration

Articles

Feb 1

Low vision affects many older individuals in the United States — millions, in fact. While low vision causes impaired sight, it is different than blindness. During the month of February, the National Eye Institute aims to raise awareness of the causes of this disease and how to recognize the signs if they are present. It is important for those experiencing low vision to know that preventing further visual impairment is possible. Individuals and their families can take action and ensure they can maintain the highest level of independence by working with healthcare professionals and therapists. Understanding the causes and signs of low vision and macular degeneration can help spread awareness and potentially help others recognize the signs and seek assistance.

What Causes Low Vision or Macular Degeneration?

The leading cause of vision loss for individuals ages over 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disease affecting the eyes that reduces the sharpness and blurs an individual’s central line of sight. Generally, a person is at risk of developing AMD or low vision if they have a family history of either disease, are a smoker, or are of Caucasian descent. As you age, your risk heightens regardless of these factors and anyone over 60 is of higher risk. Low vision can also be caused by other common diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or eye injury.

Signs of AMD or Low Vision

Typically, individuals begin to notice the signs of AMD slowly and over time. Many people can have early AMD without noticing any change in vision or vision loss for years. The first sign is often a change to the clarity of central vision. Some individuals may see blank spots in their central vision and others may notice a reduction in the amount of light they can see. One other signal that some individuals may who develop AMD later in life is suddenly starting to see wavy lines that once would have appeared straight.

Low vision can occur not just in the central vision, but can also affect peripheral vision. Night blindness is another form of low vision that occurs when individuals have trouble seeing in low light settings or at night. In general, blurred vision or hazy vision can also be diagnosed as low vision impairment.

Managing Low Vision and AMD

Follow Doctors Orders

The most important thing an individual can do to manage AMD or low vision is to maintain regular eye exams with your optometrist and follow their guidance. Your eye doctor can check for any macular degeneration by testing your eyes in a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Because there is no treatment for AMD, your doctor will likely recommend that you keep to a healthy diet with plenty of green vegetables, exercise regularly, and quit smoking if that is a current lifestyle choice.

Changes to Your Environment

Low vision can make everyday tasks more difficult, like cooking, working on a computer, recognizing other’s faces and similar sight-based activities. Since low vision cannot be addressed with glasses, contacts, or corrective surgeries, adapting your environment is sometimes necessary. Occupational therapists can aid by assessing your natural environment and suggesting modifications or assistive equipment to help you maintain maximum independence. Your therapist can also address changes to your routine or self-care tasks. Some updates to your home might include installing brighter bulbs in light fixtures, utilizing magnifiers for close-up activities, and rearranging furniture to ensure clear pathways throughout your home.

How You Can Help

The best way to help others manage low vision and macular degeneration and prevent their condition from worsening is by spreading awareness. If more people know the signs and signals, they may be able to identify the cause more quickly and make the necessary changes to their lifestyle or routine. The National Eye Institute provides so many wonderful resources that can be shared. Find downloadable booklets, flyers, statistics, and more resources on their website.

If you are experiencing low vision or macular degeneration and would like to work with a therapist, choose Tilton’s Therapy! Our team of skilled occupational therapists serve our clients in the natural environment. For individuals in Northern or Southern Nevada, Oregon, or Hawaii, get started by completing an online patient registration form. With the help of your healthcare professionals and the expertise of our therapists, you can continue to live with the maximum level of independence possible.