New Year’s Day is a time for looking ahead to better times and making resolutions to improve our lives and our relationships. January is also a time dedicated to celebrate National Eye Care Month in order to renew our appreciation for the gift of sight and to focus our attention on helping those most at risk for vision loss.  

Each year millions of Americans, most commonly those over the age of 65, lose some of their vision. They suffer from what is called Low Vision - visual impairments that cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Low vision is not an inevitable part of normal aging. It generally occurs as a result of specific eye diseases and other health conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetes. 

Early Diagnosis 

Unfortunately the effects of Low Vision are generally not reversible. Early detection, however, can help your doctor slow further loss of sight and can help you or your loved one cope more effectively with existing visual limitations. 

Because Low Vision progresses gradually, it is important to be alert for early indicators such as difficulty reading, cooking or sewing, trouble seeing because lights don’t seem as bright as usual, and problems recognizing faces at a moderate distance or difficulty crossing streets and reading signs.  

If you or a senior in your life experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a qualified eye care specialist such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. The earlier your problem is diagnosed, the better chances of identifying the underlying physical disease, initiating successful treatment and protecting your remaining vision. 

Challenges of Low Vision 

Seniors and others with Low Vision can experience significant reductions in the quality of their everyday life. Visual impairments interfere with walking, visiting unfamiliar places, and enjoying simple hobbies and leisure activities including reading, sewing, playing card games and cooking.  

Low Vision also results in inability to perform job functions and causes loss of part-time income relied on by many retired seniors. Furthermore, persons with visual impairments are at risk for accidents such as tripping, running into objects or getting in the way of people moving rapidly around them. Sadly, seniors with Low Vision often prefer to withdraw and suffer dispiriting isolation rather than risk physical harm. 

Coping Tools 

Fortunately, there are many ways to moderate the consequences of Low Vision. Simple mechanical tools include magnifying glasses for reading and telescopic lenses for viewing distant objects. More advanced devices include electronic reading machines, computer systems that talk and closed-circuit televisions.  

Adjustments around the home can also make daily life much easier, safer and more enjoyable. Examples include adjustable lighting; use of non-skid throw rugs; designated locations for keys, remote controls and other easily misplaced items; use of contrasting tape or paint colors to mark edges of steps, knobs on stoves, door handles and floor coverings; and use of large print for books, measuring cups, labels on cleaning products, computer screens, telephone keypads and calculators. 

The Personal Dimension 

Equally instrumental in living an engaged and productive lifestyle is the relationship individuals with Low Vision maintain with family and friends. Sharing feelings about their sense of loss and the challenges they face can generate relief and renew a sense of control and capability. Spouses and other family caregivers also need to speak honestly about how their lives have been changed by the restrictions resulting from the Low Vision of their loved one. 

I strongly recommend that seniors with Low Vision, as well as their family members, join a vision support group in their area. For many, simply getting out of the house and meeting new friends with common interests provides encouragement and energy. 

The Foundation for Senior Living operates a Low Vision Support Group at the Catholic Outreach Center in Surprise where participants have an opportunity to share their experiences, learn how others cope with visual impairments and hear from qualified guest speakers. Spouses are welcome, refreshments are served and transportation can be arranged for members of nearby parishes. For information and help, please call Sr. Janet Doyle at 602-532-2981.  

For additional valuable resources, visit the websites of the Arizona Center for the Blind at www.acbvi.org, the American Foundation for the Blind at www.afb.org/seniorsitehome.asp, the National Eyesight Institute at www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision or the Macular Degeneration Association at www.maculardegenerationassociation.org.

Guy Mikkelsen is president and CEO of the Foundation for Senior Living. For more information, visit www.fsl.org.