Do You Have Low Vision? Tips on Diagnosis and Treatment from Lighthouse Guild

February Is Low Vision Awareness Month 

NEW YORK, (February 6, 2024) – According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than seven million people in the United States have low vision. Low vision is defined as vision that cannot be corrected by regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery. It can be difficult for people with low vision to perform everyday activities, such as reading, shopping, cooking, or writing. The good news is that low vision devices and technological advances can help people stay independent and make the most of their sight.

“The most important thing you can do to safeguard your vision is to get a complete eye exam,” said Dr. Rebekah Lin, a low vision specialist at Lighthouse Guild. “The three main causes of low vision and blindness in the United States are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect these diseases in their early stages.” 

Once a proper diagnosis is given, the next step is to identify the cause and potential treatments or interventions. A low vision evaluation can be helpful in providing people with low vision different tools and techniques to continue doing their daily activities.  

Traditional low vision devices include magnifiers and high-powered reading glasses. Newer options include the use of electronic magnifiers and wearable devices that provide higher levels of magnification and the ability to modify contrast settings. Some devices can even convert text into speech. Personal devices such as smartphones and computers are all equipped with various accessibility features for people with reduced vision or other disabilities.  

“As the use of personal electronics becomes even more prevalent, there will also be increased accessibility to low vision technology through built-in features and applications that can help people with reduced vision perform visual tasks such as reading and navigating,” said Dr. Lin. “Low vision technology is a field that is rapidly developing, and it’s very exciting to see what will come next.” 

Lighthouse Guild offers some practical tips for people who have low vision that can help make life easier and more fulfilling.  

• Embrace technology! Video magnifiers, audio and electronic books, smartphones, and tablets enable you to change the font size and lighting level or magnify what’s on a screen. There are also apps that can help you identify money, colors, and navigate your surroundings. 
• Use high contrast to distinguish items, such as a dark bathmat with rubber backing on a light floor, a light cutting board on a dark countertop, and white sheets with a dark comforter and pillows.  
• Use night lights, a flashlight, or hall or room lighting if you get up in the night or when it is dark. 
• Avoid moving quickly from a dark room to a lighted area, and vice versa; give your eyes time to adjust to changing light levels. Wear sunglasses when you’re outside during the day to protect your eyes from the sun. 
• Use overhead lighting to help eliminate shadows and keep rooms evenly lit.  
• Use shades on all light sources to reduce glare.  
• Sit with your back towards a window or lamp. Use a gooseneck lamp for tabletop activities. 

Lighthouse Guild 
Lighthouse Guild provides exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. Our podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit Lighthouseguild.org. 

Source: Lighthouse Guild 

Press Contact: Bryan Dotson, Manners Dotson Group 

917-796-8632, bdotson@mannersdotson.com

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