Keeping Eyes Healthy: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Renée Man, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
March 1, 2010

It is important for all older adults to have an annual visit to the eye doctor. If vision loss has occurred, more frequent trips to the ophthalmologist or retinal specialist may be necessary as well.  These doctors are critical for helping to maintain the health of one’s eyes, as well as for treating any eye diseases or problems that may be present.  If the visual impairment cannot be corrected with surgery, medication, standard glasses or contact lenses, the patient may benefit from a low vision exam.

Another valuable member of the eye care team, a low vision doctor, can help patients best use their vision by helping them to understand their unique visual needs; prescribing magnification and other devices or equipment, as well as exploring lighting, glare and contrast. Anyone whose vision loss is causing problems with activities in their daily life, such as reading, cooking or personal care, is a candidate to visit a low vision doctor.  The patient does not have to be considered legally blind.  The low vision doctor provides a specialized exam which reports valuable, functional information about the patient’s vision and how they can best optimize their remaining vision.  This specialist works with the patient’s regular ophthalmologist to ensure the best treatment for their needs and vision.

A thorough low vision exam may take several hours.  The doctor will review the patient’s eye health and history.  This type of exam can provide answers to common questions such as: “What type of lighting is best for me?”, “What kind of magnifier will work for the tasks I need to do?” and “Are there any other types of equipment that can help me to function better?” Low vision devices, including electronic video magnifiers (also called CCTVs/closed circuit televisions or reading machines) can be helpful for some but not all patients.

In order to ensure the best possible results, equipment like this should only be prescribed by a low vision specialist.  Bypassing the exam and ordering a magnifier from a catalog or using one given by a friend may seem tempting but it can lead to frustration.  The device may not work optimally and can cause eye strain or stress. The user may become discouraged and feel that no device is helpful while in reality a properly prescribed device may be able to make a difference in the ability to read price tags, bills, and many more tasks of daily living. A low vision exam is just one part of the vision rehabilitation process that is available for people with vision loss. If everyday tasks are becoming difficult even with new glasses, a low vision exam may be a good place to explore what help is available.

Low vision exams are often covered in part or in whole by insurance.  Referrals for a low vision exam can come from one’s primary eye care professional or the AFB Senior Site has a directory of local resources http://www.afb.org/SeniorSiteDirResults.asp.

Next month’s column will provide helpful guidelines for feeling confident at any and all medical visits.

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.

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