INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
FOR LOW VISION
I.
CAUSES OF BLINDNESS - The four leading causes of blindness in adults are:A.)
Macular Degeneration – A breakdown of the macula, the part of the retina which captures and directs light. It is responsible for the central part of our vision, as well as detail and color. There are two types of Macular Degeneration, dry and wet. The dry form results in a loss of detail vision. The wet type involves leaking or hemorrhaging of blood vessels and usually requires laser treatment to seal off the leaking areas. Wet Macular Degeneration usually leads to a more extensive vision loss than the dry type. Neither form of Macular Degeneration will result in total vision loss. Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment in people over 60.B.)
Cataracts – A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It may vary in severity from a small amount of clouding to dense areas of haziness. Cataracts are usually an age-related condition, which disturbs the passage of focused light to the lens. Cataract surgery is presently the best form of treatment.C.)
Glaucoma – A build up of intra ocular fluid that is not drained away properly. This causes increased pressure in the eye, which leads to optic nerve damage and blind areas in the field of vision. Glaucoma tends to happen slowly, often with no noticeable changes until after damage has been done. Some warning signs include blurred vision, seeing colored rings around lights, loss of peripheral vision, pain and redness of the eye. Glaucoma can be treated with drops to reduce the pressure.D.)
Diabetic Retinopathy – A disease that often affects diabetics. Diabetes can cause blood vessels in the eyes to break and this can interfere with vision. Blood clots and scars may form on the retina, blocking the light rays from nerve cells and interfering with their nutrition. Complete loss of vision can occur when scar tissue develops at the back of the eye. This scar tissue sometimes shrinks and detaches the retina.
II.
Glossary:1.
Legal Blindness: 20/200 in the best eye with best correction.2. Partially Sighted: 20/70 in the best eye with best correction.
3. Optometrist: An eye care provider who prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and treats only certain conditions and diseases of the eye.
4. Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats all diseases and disorders of the eye, and can prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
5. Low Vision Specialist: Usually an ophthalmologist or optometrist who specializes in the evaluation of low vision. This person can prescribe visual devices and teach people how to use them.
6. Optician: A trained professional who grinds, fits, and dispenses glasses by prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
7. Vision Rehabilitation Teacher: A person who trains people with low vision to use adaptive techniques, optical and non-optical devices, and community resources to deal with their vision loss.
8. Orientation and Mobility Specialist: A person who trains people with low vision to move about safely in their environment, and to travel independently.
9. CCTV or Video-Magnifier: A device used by people with low vision, which magnifies printed or other materials onto a video monitor. This device enables people with low vision to be able to read and write independently.
III.
Tips for living with Low Vision:1.) There are many state and local services for the blind and visually impaired, which offer a wide array of programs and services for people with low vision. Please contact your state Department of Services for the Blind and they can give you local contact information.
In North Carolina:
Division of Services for the Blind
(919) 733-9822
In South Carolina:
South Carolina Commission for the Blind
(800) 922-2222
Here are some other helpful agencies in the Carolinas:
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program:
www.ncatp.orgSouth Carolina Assistive Technology Project:
www.sc.edu/scatpWinston-Salem Industries for the Blind:
www.wsifb.com/lowVisionCenter.htmMetrolina Association for the Blind:
www.mabnc.comRaleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind:
www.rlcb.netNC State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped:
http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/lbph/lbph.htmSC State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped:
http://www.state.sc.us/scsl/bph
2.) Most banks offer large print checks. They should be provided at the same cost as your regular print checks.
3.) The Department of Motor Vehicles can issue you a handicapped parking permit.
4.) Both North and South Carolina have a state library that offers a Talking Book program. This service is free of charge and includes the talking book player. See the links above to the State Libraries.
5.) Southern Bell and most phone companies offer free 411 phone directory service to people with impaired vision.
6.) Most banks and utility companies now offer large type billing.
7.) Many devices such as CCTV’s (Video Magnifiers), and hand-held magnifiers are available to assist people with low vision. For more information on these devices, contact:
Allied Technologies of the Carolinas
Low Vision Solutions
(704) 341-4369 or (888) 832-1065
AlliedTech@lowvisionhelp.com