If you have vision loss or age-related eye disease, we have a variety of electronic or video magnifiers that are sure to help. Many electronic magnifiers are referred to as CCTVs, which originally stood for “closed circuit TV.” These “video magnifiers” use a small camera to capture an image (newspaper article, book, etc.) and then magnify the image on a computer or other type of electronic screen.
Cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa affect more than 70% of seniors over the age of 80 and 1 out of every 28 people over the age of 40. Magnifies can be portable, stationary or handheld and will expand the quality of independent living.
The most common features that will distinguish one magnifier from another are illumination, text color options, and magnification clarity.
Vision loss is normal to some degree, especially as people age. Most people who experience a decline in their eyesight are able to correct the problem through the use of glasses, contact lenses or surgical procedures. When routine tasks such as shopping, watching television or recognizing friends and family are difficult even when using corrective devices, a person is described as having low vision. The National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the National Institutes of Health, describes low vision as "the best-corrected visual acuity less than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye." This means that vision in the better-seeing eye with the strongest correction possible, is worse than 20/40.
Causes of Low Vision
The National Eye Institute, a leader in low vision research, estimates that more than 3 million American adults over the age of 40 experience low vision. Despite the age factor, low vision is not a normal part of aging. The condition of low vision is most often the result of eye disease. Medical conditions that may contribute to low vision include: Cataracts Diabetes retinopathy Glaucoma Macular degeneration. Treating the underlying cause for low vision with medications, vitamin therapy or surgical procedures may help slow the progression of vision loss, but some sight loss may never be able to be restored.
Recognizing the Signs of Low Vision
The symptoms of low vision vary, depending on the root of the problem. Some people who have low vision cannot recognize faces or shapes from a close distance, while others may not be able to see color clearly. Still others who face visual challenges may see the world through a permanent "dimmer switch." The National Eye Institute has developed a series of questions in a booklet entitled "What You Should Know About Low Vision," for people to consider, as a way to help them determine if they are suffering from low vision. Even with your regular glasses, do you have difficulty: Recognizing faces of friends and relatives? Doing things that require you to see well up close, like reading, cooking, sewing, or fixing things around the house? Picking out and matching the color of your clothes? Doing things at work or home because lights seem dimmer than they used to? Reading street and bus signs or the names of stores? Answering "yes" to any of these questions may indicate a case of low vision and should be checked by an eye doctor.
Diagnosing Vision Loss
Eye care professionals called ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat low vision and the eye diseases that lead to vision loss. Preventive health care should include a regular eye exam every 2 to 4 years for most age brackets, or more often if required by your ophthalmologist, according to Prevent Blindness America, an eye health and safety organization dedicated to saving sight. Senior citizens over the age of 65 should have their eyes checked every year or two to catch early signs of eye disease. People who feel their vision has changed for the worse should make an appointment as soon as possible, regardless of how many years it has been since their last appointment. Making such an appointment can be a difficult step to take if a person with low vision fears the loss of his independence. However, being proactive can actually help a person with visual challenges take charge of his health and maintain his independence.
Knowledge is Power
The NEI suggests that patients ask their eye specialist the following questions about vision changes and low vision:
- What changes can I expect in my vision?
- Will my vision loss get worse?
- How much of my vision will I lose?
- Will regular eyeglasses improve my vision?
- What medical/surgical treatments are available for my condition?
- What can I do to protect or prolong my vision?
- Will diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes help?
- If my vision can't be corrected, can you refer me to a specialist in low vision?
- Where can I get a low vision examination and evaluation?
- Where can I get vision rehabilitation?
- How can I continue my normal, routine activities?
- Are there resources to help me in my job?
- Will any special devices help me with daily activities like reading, sewing, cooking, or fixing things around the house?
- What training and services are available to help me live better and more safely with low vision?
- Where can I find individual or group support to cope with my vision loss?
