People who have visual impairment often experience difficulty in performing day-to-day activities such as cooking, reading, managing finances and taking care of themselves. Fortunately, there are numerous assistive devices and other proven strategies for coping with low vision that will help with everyday tasks. A trusted eye doctor shares some of them here:
Low Vision Assistive Devices
Optical aids equipped with magnifying lenses make regular items appear larger and easier to see.
- Correctly refracted glasses. A child with low vision can greatly benefit from wearing glasses earlier than a child with a vision that is developing more typically.
- Magnifying spectacles. Eyeglasses and magnifying glasses are worn to keep your hands free. These aids can be used for reading, threading a needle, or completing other close-up chores.
- Stand magnifiers. This is the kind of magnifier that rests above the object you are looking at. Being on a stand also offers assistance to people with tremors or arthritis. Some even have built-in lights.
Techniques for Coping with Low Vision
An eye doctor recommends using these strategies to see better and help with regular activities.
- Improved lighting. Many people with low vision carry a high lumen pocket flashlight or use a flexible gooseneck lamp as a bedhead or desk lamp. Switching light bulbs with higher-watt bulbs and adding more lamps in dimly-lit areas of the home are also extremely effective.
- Reduce glare. Be sure to adjust your indoor lighting so it does not create uncomfortable glare. When outside, do not forget to shield your eyes by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, visor, or sunglasses.
Alderwood Optical is an eye-care specialty clinic serving Redmond, Kirkland, WA and surrounding areas. Our team focuses on eye health and vision rehabilitation through specialty contact lenses to help patients achieve an improved quality of life. Call us at (425) 771-8472 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment with an eye doctor.