Adapting and Thriving with Low Vision
A diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or advanced Glaucoma often means adjusting to life with “low vision.” Low vision is a term used when significant vision loss has occurred that cannot be fully corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It typically involves blind spots, blurred vision, or loss of peripheral vision, making everyday tasks more challenging.
While learning to live with low vision presents hurdles, it absolutely does not mean giving up independence or the activities you enjoy. With the right strategies, tools, and support, seniors can adapt effectively and continue to live fulfilling lives. This guide from Elderly Care First offers practical tips and resources for individuals and caregivers navigating life with low vision caused by conditions like AMD and Glaucoma.
- Learn more about the conditions:
Understanding Your Vision Changes
The first step is understanding how your vision is affected.
- AMD typically affects central vision: This makes reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details difficult, while side vision remains clearer.
- Glaucoma often affects peripheral (side) vision first: This can create a “tunnel vision” effect, making navigation challenging and increasing the risk of bumping into things or falling.
Knowing your specific type of vision loss helps tailor adaptation strategies. Your eye doctor or a low vision specialist can explain your vision changes in detail.
Practical Tips for Daily Living
Making adjustments in your daily routines and environment can make a huge difference:
1. Maximize Lighting:
- Increase Ambient Light: Use brighter overhead lights throughout your home.
- Add Task Lighting: Use bright, focused lamps (like gooseneck or floor lamps) directly aimed at what you’re doing – reading, cooking, hobbies. Position lights to the side to minimize glare.
- Control Glare: Use blinds or curtains on windows. Wear visors or wide-brimmed hats indoors if needed. Choose matte finishes over glossy ones for surfaces.
- Future Lighting Solutions Guide (coming soon)
2. Enhance Contrast:
- Use Color Contrast: Make items stand out. Use a dark placemat under a white plate, a light-colored cutting board for dark vegetables, bright tape on light switches or stair edges.
- Bold Markings: Use bold markers (like black Sharpies) for labeling medications, food containers, or phone numbers.
3. Organize Your Home:
- Keep Things Consistent: Store commonly used items (keys, glasses, remote controls) in the same designated spot every time.
- Declutter: Remove unnecessary furniture, rugs, and clutter from walkways to prevent tripping hazards. Keep electrical cords tucked away.
- Mark Obstacles: Use contrasting tape or paint on steps, thresholds, or furniture corners.
- Future Home Safety Checklist (coming soon)
4. Adapt Reading & Writing:
- Large Print: Use large-print books, newspapers, playing cards, calendars, and phone dials. Adjust font sizes on computers, tablets, and phones.
- Magnifiers: Explore different types – handheld, stand, illuminated, or electronic video magnifiers (CCTVs) – to find what works best for your needs. Magnifiers Guide (coming soon) or Recommended Solution Page
- Audio Options: Listen to audiobooks, use text-to-speech software on devices, or utilize talking clocks and watches.
- Writing Guides: Use bold-lined paper or check-writing guides.
5. Make Kitchen Tasks Safer:
- Use Tactile Markings: Place raised dots (bump dots) on appliance controls (microwave, stove dials) to identify settings by touch.
- Contrasting Utensils: Use light-colored measuring cups for dark liquids, dark cups for light liquids.
- Good Lighting: Ensure excellent task lighting over countertops and stove.
- Organize: Keep sharp objects safely stored and frequently used items within easy reach.
6. Utilize Remaining Vision:
- Eccentric Viewing (for Central Vision Loss like AMD): Learn techniques (often taught by low vision specialists) to use the healthier parts of your peripheral vision to look slightly “off-center” to see objects more clearly.
- Scanning (for Peripheral Vision Loss like Glaucoma): Practice turning your head more frequently to scan your surroundings and compensate for reduced side vision.
Helpful Low Vision Aids and Technology
Beyond basic adaptations, various devices can offer significant help:
- Magnifiers: As mentioned, available in many forms.
- Telescopes: Small handheld telescopes can help see distant objects like street signs or bus numbers.
- Absorptive Filters/Specialty Glasses: Tinted lenses (like yellow or amber) can help reduce glare and enhance contrast for some people.
- Electronic Devices: Smartphones and tablets have built-in accessibility features (zoom, text-to-speech, high contrast modes). Specialized apps can also assist with magnification or identifying objects.
- Talking Devices: Talking clocks, watches, scales, thermometers, and even medication reminders are available.
- Explore options: Recommended Solution Page
Finding Support and Resources
You don’t have to navigate low vision alone. Connecting with resources can provide training, tools, and emotional support:
- Low Vision Specialists: Optometrists or ophthalmologists specializing in low vision rehabilitation can evaluate your vision, recommend specific aids, and provide training on how to use them effectively. Ask your eye doctor for a referral.
- Vision Rehabilitation Services: Agencies (often state-run or non-profit) offer comprehensive services including orientation and mobility training (using a cane, navigating safely), adaptive skills training for daily living, counseling, and technology assistance.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others experiencing low vision can provide invaluable emotional support, shared tips, and a sense of community.
- National Organizations: Groups like the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Prevent Blindness, and Lighthouse Guild offer extensive resources, information, and directories.
Advice for Caregivers
- Be Patient and Understanding: Adjusting takes time. Offer encouragement, not pity.
- Ask, Don’t Assume: Ask your loved one what kind of help they need, rather than taking over tasks they can still manage.
- Communicate Clearly: Always identify yourself when entering a room. Let them know when you are leaving. Use descriptive language.
- Assist with Modifications: Help implement home safety changes and organization.
- Facilitate Connections: Help research low vision specialists, support groups, or resources. Offer transportation to appointments.
- Learn Together: Learn about the specific low vision aids being used to offer support if needed.
Conclusion: Focusing on Capabilities
Living with low vision from AMD or Glaucoma requires adaptation, but it’s entirely possible to maintain independence and enjoy life fully. By implementing practical strategies, utilizing available aids and technology, and connecting with supportive resources, seniors can focus on their capabilities and continue to thrive. Remember to work closely with eye care and low vision professionals to develop a personalized plan.
Elderly Care First is committed to supporting seniors and caregivers through these adjustments with reliable information and resources.
