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.
In this article:
- What is low vision?
- Who can help a person with low vision?
- Low vision aids
- Caring for an ageing person with low vision
What is low vision?
Unfortunately many ageing people do not pick up on the early warning signs of eye disease until significant damage has been done.
People with low vision can have trouble doing simple things we take for granted. These problems occur even if a person is wearing regular glasses.
Low vision cannot be improved through surgery, the use of conventional glasses or contact lenses.
Signs of low vision include:
- Problems recognising familiar faces
- Difficulty doing things up close like sewing, reading, writing
- Problems using household appliances
- Difficulty distinguishing colours
- Complaining that the lights are too dim
- Difficulty seeing hazards such as steps, curbs and uneven surfaces
Who can help a person with low vision?
A low vision service can help people with low vision by assessing their remaining sight and finding ways to improve quality of life.
A low vision assessment is different to other eye examinations and needs to be done by a low vision specialist. A low vision specialist is trained in low vision and can prescribe aids and show a person how to use them.
Low vision rehabilitation does not replace the use of medications, surgery or other ongoing treatments but looks at ways to optimise remaining vision.
It may include orientation and mobility training, use of adaptive technology like electronic magnifiers and prescription spectacles, or involve adapting the home environment.
Contact your optometrist for information or direction to your nearest low vision service. It is a free service and you do not need a referral.
Alternatively in NSW contact Vision Australia 1300 84 74 66 or Guide Dogs NSW/ACT on (02) 9412 9300.
Low vision aids
Low vision aids are simple tools and devices designed to help people with daily living tasks. These aids do not require a prescription and can help make reading, writing and shopping easier. Handy home care aids for low vision include:
- Talking clocks, watches and timers
- Handheld magnifying glasses
- Gooseneck lamps
- Audio books and players
- Magnifying mirrors
- Electronic note takers
- Large buttoned highlighted telephones
- Large print books and crosswords
- Large TV remotes and appliances
Ask your optometrist or low vision service about low vision aids.
Caring for an ageing person with low vision
If you are caring for an ageing person with low vision you may have to organise some kind of home care. A person with low vision can have difficulty:
- Safely showering or bathing
- Getting dressed
- Shopping, cooking and preparing meals
- Leaving the house without a licence
- Attending social gatherings or hobbies
- Maintaining the family home
- Paying bills
Many people as they age find coping with daily life difficult. Low vision can create many daily obstacles. People who live alone or have other medical problems may require more assistance.
Ask a person how you can help. Look into any home care services you can organise or tasks you can help them with. Even collecting and reading the mail or shopping once a week can be useful.
Who can help?
- Contact a Commonwealth Carelink centre and ask about home care services in your area on 1800 052 052.
- Call Vision Australia 1300 84 74 66.
Related articles
References
Macular Degeneration Foundation
What is low vision
Accessed 2008
Vision Australia
Eye conditions
Accessed 2008
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