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Millions of Americans, including many seniors, suffer from low vision. Reading, shopping, cooking, and writing can all be difficult for people with visual impairment. It is also not correctable with glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery. Sight rehabilitation, on the other hand, can assist people in remaining independent and making the most of their impairment. Low Vision Awareness Month occurs in February. Its time to learn more about it and spread the word about vision rehabilitation services. Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic eye disease are the three leading causes of low vision and blindness in the United States. Early detection is critical for all of these disorders. The good news is that new technologies and rehabilitation can make people with sight issues lives easier and more fulfilling.

Annual Eye Exams

You do not always have symptoms before you lose your sight due to eye diseases. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect early-stage glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Consult your eye care provider about appointment scheduling guidelines during COVID-19.

The brain can adapt to vision impairment, making it difficult to know if you have problems. You may be losing sight without even realizing it until it’s too late, so we encourage people to have a comprehensive eye exam that can detect problems and help you preserve your sight.

Low Vision Tips

Here are some practical tips to help you::

  • To distinguish items, use contrast, such as a dark bathmat with a rubber backing on a light floor, a light cutting board on a dark countertop, and white sheets with a dark comforter and pillows.
  • If you wake up in the middle of the night, use night lights, a flashlight, or hall or room lighting.
  • Allow your eyes to adjust to changing light levels by moving slowly from a dark room to a lighted area and vice versa.
  • To help eliminate shadows and keep rooms evenly lit, use overhead lighting.
  • To reduce glare, use shades on all light sources.
  • Place your back to a window or lamp.
  • For tabletop activities, a gooseneck lamp is ideal.
  • Accept technology! You can change the font size and lighting level or magnify what’s on a screen using video magnifiers, audio and electronic books, smartphones, and tablets. Apps can also help you identify money, colors, and navigate your surroundings.

Living with vision impairment can be less difficult with the help of a supportive eye care team and vision rehabilitation,

The LightHouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that motivate visually impaired people to achieve their goals. We offer coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation, behavioral health, and other services. “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” podcast series provides information and insights about technological innovations that are breaking down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. Lighthouseguild.org has more information.


For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.

Source: lighthouseguild.org

Image by Herbert Aust from Pixabay