Understanding Eye Conditions: Strategies for Life: Living Well With Vision Loss
By Renee Man, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
November 1, 2007
As stated in our first column, the chances are good that you already know someone who is living with vision loss. Most people who experience vision loss later in life retain some amount of useful vision. Only a small percentage of those who are considered legally blind are unable to see anything at all. For example, people who have age related macular degeneration (or ARMD) often lose their central vision. This is the vision we use to read, thread a needle, or identify someone’s face. A person with ARMD will usually keep their peripheral, or side, vision. This is the vision we use to be able to walk around or to see something “out of the corner of our eye”. Many clients with ARMD will say they can’t see the time on the clock but they can see if they’ve dropped a light colored object on their dark carpet. This is frustrating for them and confusing for those around them.
ARMD is only one of many eye conditions that may affect seniors. Each condition affects vision in a different way and even two people with the exact same eye condition will have vastly different experiences. While one may be able to read normal size print, another may need to use very large print or may not be able to see print at all. There is no “typical” story. Every person’s experience is as unique as they are. Vision may fluctuate from day or day or even from morning to afternoon. Asking what a person is able to see instead of assuming you know can ease many a situation.
How can we as friends and family help someone with vision loss navigate their day to day life? Often we are so afraid to do something wrong that we may do nothing at all, yet there are simple things that make a world of difference. Listen to what they have to say and always ask “May I help you?” before jumping in to do something for them. It takes time to master the new skills learned to help one cope with vision loss. It may seem easier or quicker to do something for your loved one but letting them do it on their own will build their skills, their confidence, and their independence.
Some types of vision loss make it hard for people to recognize faces. An easy way to overcome this is to introduce yourself when you walk into a room. "Hi John, it's Kate" is all it takes. Don’t make them play the “guessing game.” Be sure to always let the person know if you are leaving a room as well. No one wants to talk to an empty room!
Finally, organization is critical. The saying, "a place for everything and everything in its place" certainly applies. Having a set spot for keys, the remote, even milk in the fridge can cut a person's frustration significantly. So make sure to always put things back where you found them or ask where things belong.
We cannot presume to know what the experience is like for our loved one but by being supportive, listening and asking questions, we can help them as they start to adjust to their new life.
In our next column we will discuss how good lighting combined with contrast helps everything to be more visible.
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643