Tips on Coping with Low Vision

By Sondra Forsyth

Low vision, which affects millions of Americans, can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as reading, shopping, cooking, or writing. However, technological advances and vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision stay independent and make the most of their sight.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about low vision and take steps to maximize the health of your eyes.  

“The most important thing you can do for your eyes is get a comprehensive eye exam,” says Dr. Andrea Zimmerman, 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 and help preserve vision.  

While low vision cannot be corrected by regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medications or surgery, new technologies and rehabilitation can make life easier and more fulfilling. Lighthouse Guild offers some practical tips for people who are experiencing low vision.

• Use 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.
• Avoid moving quickly from a dark room to a lighted area, and vice versa; give your eyes time to adjust to changing light levels.
• 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.
• 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.

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.