Vision
Low vision aids and adaptive technology
Low vision can make undertaking previously simple tasks challenging and frustrating, it can also make a person feel cut off from the world.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration (MD) is a progressive disease and a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in ageing Australians. It affects 1 in 7 people over 50 (Macular Degeneration Foundation 2008).
Helping someone at home with low vision
If you are caring for an ageing person with low vision adapt the home environment and encourage the use of low vision aids.
There are many practical things you can do to help a person remain independent in the home.
What is low vision?
Many people as they age have low vision. A number of factors can cause low vision including injury, disease and birth defects.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease associated with complications of diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes the more likely they are to get diabetic retinopathy. An ageing person with diabetes is at high risk.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.
Normally the lens in the eye is clear. It focuses light through the retina to produce an image. When the lens becomes cloudy from a cataract, light cannot pass through to the retina, nerve signals are not sent to the brain and an image becomes blurred.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition where there is higher than normal pressure in the eye. An increase in fluid and pressure in the eye damages nerve cells, which send information from the eye to the brain.
Disclaimer: This site is for information purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem, nor as a substitute for professional advice with a qualified health professional or doctor.
