8 Tips for Low Vision Patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 14 million Americans over the age of 12 live with some type of vision impairment. Glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and even blindness, are some of the many eye problems facing the population. However, many more people may develop conditions such as macular degeneration or cataracts as they age.

Living with low vision can be tough, but it's important to stay healthy and take precautions. Read these 8 tips for low vision patients and learn how to avoid injury and manage day-to-day living.

Use proper lighting at home

One of the most important things in a person's life is the home. If you have the perfect home but don't have the perfect lighting, you're missing out. There are three kinds of light fixtures: elegant and classy, fun and colorful, and basic and functional. It doesn't matter what they look like on the outside; it's all about how they work inside and how people spend their days and nights.

You need good lighting for your home, but what kind of light should you use? Brighter bulbs are great for people who need to see things better. They can make it easier for you to work on projects or pick up items. Dimmer lights may be better for people with certain eye conditions, like chronic migraines. These lights will help you see better, whether it's to prevent discomfort or glare, or to make it easier to identify faces.

Injury-proof home

To prevent falls, it's important to remove tripping hazards. Clearing the way of objects like ottomans and magazine racks can help prevent injuries. Throw rugs and slippery bath mats cause people to trip, so it's best to do away with them. It's also important to designate areas for items like shoes, making sure they are safe from clutter and cords.

Clear your home of clutter for better visibility and maneuverability. Use colorful tape to mark potential hazards in the home like stairs with high steps, thermostats, and outlets. Install grab bars in the bathroom, kitchen, and staircases. When buying appliances, look for models with large buttons and knobs.

If you want to be able to see your dishes or towels, look for items that contrast with the surfaces they'll be sitting on. For example, if you're buying a dish, go for something that is dark-colored so it contrasts with your wall color.

Label your things

After you've picked out your new home for your needs, it's time to gather items. Experts suggest that you designate a spot for medicines and label them in big, bold letters. Sometimes pharmacies have large-print labels for medications, so be sure to ask if you're in need. Food labels are also useful, especially when there are many items that look alike on the shelf.

The next step is to make sure that everything has a designated place. It is crucial to separate small objects into bags or boxes and use drawer dividers for clothes. Bathrooms and bedrooms should also be organized, with easy access to often-used items. This will keep your home neat and tidy, which is especially helpful for low vision patients.

Buy magnifying lenses

Low vision patients may find it difficult to read or do detail work, but there are several types of magnifying lenses to help them:

Hand magnifiers like the detective-style glasses seen in movies

Stand magnifiers that can be placed near or on top of an item

Spectacle magnifiers that attach to eyeglasses.

The internet is your new best friend when it comes to finding new magnifying tools. They come in various shapes and sizes. Many of these tools have lights or glare-blocking filters, which will help low vision patients with reading. Large-print books and newspapers are easy to find and inexpensive. These items can help low vision patients read, and they're easy to come by.

Useful electronic devices

New technology is being marketed to the visually impaired low vision patients every day. Whether it's a talking clock, GPS system, audiobook, or software that reads screen text aloud, this new technology could make life much easier for those who are experiencing vision problems. Apps are being created to identify money, distinguish colors, and help smartphones work sense voice commands.

If you're looking for a way to improve your computer's visibility, try increasing the text size or using the zoom option. You can also make your typing easier by switching up the colors. Experts suggest upping the contrast and, if possible, switching your text to black and your background to white.

Low vision-related services

You may know about guide dogs, the canine pals that help visually impaired low vision patients. But what other services are there? Often, they're free too.

The National Federation of the Blind offers a 24-hour phone line service that reads newspapers, magazines, and websites to customers. It is available as an app for easy access.

The National Library Service offers free audiobooks and periodicals for customers through the Talking Book program.

Customers who qualify can enter US National Parks for free by showing a qualifying ID.

There are many organizations that provide these services. You can contact your local government offices for more information.

Use your community

Loneliness is a side effect of low vision. Having a friend or support system is important for people with low vision. You can learn tips and tricks from other people in the same situation.

Consult specialists

As your life changes, it's important to take care of yourself. Doctors appointments and a healthcare team are the perfect way to do so. This can include an ophthalmologist, social worker, or occupational therapist.