Coping With Low Vision

Low Vision is a condition which is not remediable by using traditional corrective methods such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. There are a myriad of causes which give rise to Low Vision, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, head trauma and stroke.

With no traditional remedy available, learning coping strategies is, therefore, crucial to improving a person's quality of life. Mobility, driving and employment may be all adversely affected and this can understandably lead to depression.

We all prize our independence. Below are some coping strategies which can minimize loss of independence and so maximize a low vision sufferer's quality of life.

As we age, even those of us fortunate enough to have healthy eyes need more light to perform our normal everyday tasks. For someone with low vision lighting is critically important. Good general lighting, along with avoidance of glare and shadows, ensure that what vision remains is fully used.

To reduce glare always use shades to cover bare light bulbs, draw blinds or drapes at windows, place seating away from the light source at a window and avoid shiny floors and table tops. Using matte paper is also a good idea when reading and writing.

To eliminate shadows when doing close work, use two adjustable lamps positioned on either side of the work rather than having one lamp directly in front. When writing place the lamps on the opposite side of the writing hand. Shadows can also be prevented by locating the lower edge of the lampshade just below eye level.

While it is important to control the intensity of light and the glare, contrast is a key coping strategy for people with low vision. The greater the contrast, the easier it is to locate and use familiar objects in the home.

So, pour dark coffee into a white cup and use white dishes for eating dark colored food (and vice versa). If measuring out coffee, or any other dark-colored food use white measuring cups. For flour and sugar, on the other hand, use black measuring cups. Black coasters placed on white counters make a good foil for a glass of milk or pills, and make them easy to find. Spillages are also less likely to occur.

On doors and drawers install contrasting colored handles and use high contrast tape or contrasting colored stickers to mark oven dials, microwave switches, thermostats and salt and pepper shakers. As a handy reference point place a dot or sticker on the #5 to help with dialing. The rest of the numbers are then easier to locate.

In the bathroom a dark bathmat will make a white tub more easily visible and a dark toilet seat cover will do the same for a white toilet. In the shower a conditioner/shampoo dispenser is very useful, as is a magnifying mirror for shaving and applying makeup.

To aid mobility put contrasting strips on the edges of steps to make them more easily visible and prevent the steps from fading away out of sight. Mobility can be improved by using contrasting colored molding or having the person with visual impairment lightly hold your bent elbow when first encountering unfamiliar steps or obstacles.

Outside, gates and doors should be painted different colors from the fences and walls so that entrances are made easier to find. Light-colored edging should mark the boundary between lawn and flowerbeds, and always make flowers more visible by choosing a contrasting background, for example a white siding for vibrant red flowers.

Finally, if we are looking at optimising the environment of a person with low vision, there is one very important factor that has to be considered. This is the risk from passive "second-hand" smoke to eye health.

The risks of developing eye disease from smoking have been well known for a long time. Smoking reduces the level of oxygen to the eye which, to function well, requires an oxygen-rich environment. Recent research has shown, however, that similar risks exist from secondhand smoke.

A person with low vision, living with a smoker and subject to regular smoke exposure, faces additional damage to the eye equal to the effects of aging. To preserve all remaining vision it is essential that people not only stop smoking but live in a completely smoke free environment. Not doing so renders any coping strategies largely redundant.

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