Sad Consequences of Low Vision

A study reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology brings up another possible consequence of vision loss, suicidal thoughts or attempts.  The online newsletter of the American Optometric Association, AOA First Look, contained the following brief article with link to an article in Reuters which you can read if you wish.
This study highlights a whole new possible consequence of low vision.  While I have not heard of possible suicide, I have been told by patients or their family that they've  suffered from depression since losing vision.  It is not surprising.  When vision decreases to the level where someone can no longer drive, read or recognize faces they have lost independence.  That can be devastating.  It is a very difficult adjustment to go from life long good vision to dealing with the consequences of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
Reading the Reuters article may give you a bit more insight into the issues faced by a person with low vision.  Happily, some of these people can regain independence through the use of special low vision devices, microscopic or telescopic glasses as well as other types of devices.  You can read of the successes of some of my patients on my Facebook page.  www.Facebook.com/VirginiaLowVisionOptometrist

Study: As Vision Worsens, Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts May Increase.

Reuters  (3/28, Lehman) reported that a study  (3/30) published online March 2 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that people with vision loss were often prone to suffer psycho-social issues and were more likely to have suicidal thoughts and make suicide attempts compared to those with normal vision. The study, which included nearly 30,000 adults followed between 2008-2012, also revealed that deteriorating vision was tied to a worsening in quality of life.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Today's issue of AOA First Look includes the following synopsis of a US News & World Report article about protecting your eyes from some of the main causes of low vision.  Click the link to read this helpful information.  For people who have lost vision from eye disease or some other cause a low vision optometrist may be able to help.
I speak with all low vision patients before scheduling an appointment.  By asking a few questions about your remaining vision and your goals I will be able to tell you if low vision glasses will help you.  There is no charge for the telephone consultation or the toll free call.  Call me at 1 866 321-2030.  More information on my website www.VirginiaLowVision.com

National Eye Institute Offers Advice To Keep Eyes Healthy.

US News & World Report  (3/20, Woodham) says a recent report from The Vision Council notes that 1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40 are suffering from “low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be repaired by glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery.” But Dr. Rachel Bishop, chief of the consult services section at the National Eye Institute, says there are steps that can be taken to reduce eye problems such as cataracts: “The first is not smoking. The second is protecting their eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses. UV light exposure is associated with cataract but also with other problems in the eye, so we recommend people wear UV-protection sunglasses when out in the bright daylight.”

"Magnification? How much do I need? What's best for me?"

   I always ask my low vision patients to bring their glasses and magnifiers with them to the low vision evaluation.  I want to see what they have been using and how much it helps them.  What I have learned is that there are a lot of poor quality magnifiers out there and the average person has no way of telling the good from the bad.  Usually, they arrive with magnifiers that they bought at the drug store or some big box store and the lens is very poor quality.  Often the magnification is not nearly enough to help the person.  Sometimes they have way too much magnification.  No wonder they don't get the help they need from the magnifiers.
   Recently a man came for his low vision evaluation who had a brand new electronic magnifier.  He'd bought it on line for $200.  He had not even tried it yet.  It was brand new.  Electronic magnification seemed appropriate for him so I showed him a device that I have found to be the best choice for many of my patients.  It has a bigger screen, clearer picture and more features than his on line purchase.  He immediately saw the difference and purchased the one that I recommended.  He planned to give the on line magnifier to a friend because now he has one that suited his needs better.
   I tell this story to illustrate the importance of being evaluated by a low vision optometrist.  Let someone who understands the various types of magnification and what is appropriate for your problem help you.  When you have a vision loss from macular degeneration or some other eye disease you need the best help that you can get.  Ordering on line or buying a magnifier at the store is taking a shot in the dark.  Your chance of getting what will serve you best is very slight. Give me a call for a free telephone consultation.  I will tell you if I can help you and when I've evaluated your vision I will recommend what is best for your needs.  Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030.  For more information go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com 

Two Interesting Articles on Low Vision

The following two articles were reported in AOA First Look the on line newsletter of the American Optometric Association and may be of interest to low vision patients and vision care providers working with low vision patients. Unfortunately, if you click on the link to the Tri-County Times there is a charge to read the entire article. There is no charge to read the LA Times article.

Low vision is AOA-recognized specialty, article explains.

Michigan's Tri-County Times (2/10, Rummel) reported, "Low vision has been defined as a visual impairment not correct-able by standard glasses, contact lenses, or magnified, tinted lenses," and may be caused by "conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma," inoperable cataracts, "or diabetic-related eye problems," or even "retinal detachment, optic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, corneal disease, stroke, and some genetic conditions." Low vision is also "a recognized specialty by the American Optometric Association within the optometry, ophthalmology, and optical professions." Optometrist Shelton Smith, O.D., who has "a subspecialty in low vision," explained that his "role is to maximize the functional level of a patient's vision with the use of rehabilitative devices." He pointed out, "The more usable vision a person has, the greater number and more demanding visual activities are possible." Many people who could benefit from low-vision services, however, do not know about them, he added.

General Medical News

Vigorous exercise may help prevent AMD, cataracts, studies suggest.

Writing in the Los Angeles Times (2/10) Booster Shots blog, Jeannine Stein observed that, according to two studies published in the Jan. issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, "vigorous exercise...may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts." Both "studies looked at data from almost eight years of follow-up from the National Runners' Health Study. In one, 110 men and 42 women received a clinical diagnosis of" AMD "during the follow-up." But, "running an average of two to four kilometers a day reduced the risk by 19 percent, and running more than four kilometers per day reduced the risk by 42...to 54 percent, compared with those who ran less than two kilometers a day." The second study found that men who "ran 64 or more kilometers a week had a 35 percent lower cataract risk than those who ran less than 16 kilometers per week," and "those with better cardiovascular fitness were also at less risk than men who were less fit."

Help Is Available for Persons With Low Vision

One of the very unfortunate facts related to low vision problems is that most low vision patients are not aware that there are ways that they can be helped to return to some of the activities that they have had to give up. Of course, there are no magic cures for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other diseases that rob people of clear sight. However, there is help available for many who suffer from these conditions.

A couple years ago the magazine, Eyecare Business reported on a survey of 60 patients who had been helped by a low vision doctor in the Western U.S. Their average age was 68. "Most said that they had visited and average of 3 other providers who did not help before finding one who did. In fact, 47 percent said they were previously told nothing could be done to help."

In my low vision practice I'd say that almost all of the patients have been told that there was no help available for them. Of the patients who I accept over 90 percent can be helped. They can benefit from some form of low vision device which will allow them to achieve their goals.

It is true that there is no current treatment that restores the vision of someone who has lost it to eye disease. However, there are many ways that patients can be helped to perform those activities that are important to them. Careful srceening in advance of the low vision appointment will identify those who can be helped and those who cannot.

All of the above explains the reason for my beginning this blog. My intention is to give real life examples of patients with various eye diseases and the ways that I was able to help them. All of those patients have given me permission to use their information. They share my desire to spread the word to other persons with low vision. "You do not have to give up your normal activities. A low vision evaluation, by an experienced low vision doctor, can reveal ways in which your vision can be enhanced and ways to assist you."

In addition to sharing real life success stories through this blog I'll be providing information on the many diseases that result in low vision. I'll also discuss types of low vision devices and how they can be applied to various everyday activities. My hope is that you find this information helpful and if you or someone you know has a vision problem you will seek help. If you would like to discuss your situation with me please call toll free 1 866 321-2030. Just leave a message and your phone number. I'll be happy to call you back for a phone consultation at no charge.