Chapter 12- What is low vision?

Question 1

What is a visual impairment?

Answer 1

A person who has an impairment of visual function and cannot be resolved by conventional spectacles, contact lenses or medical intervention.

Question 2

Who normally suffers from low vision and why?

Answer 2

It is mainly older people who have low vision. This is because visual impairment often occurs due to age related eye conditions.

Question 3

80% of people who have a visual impairment are…

Answer 3

Over the age of 60

Question 4

Why are more people likely to experience visual impairment in the UK?

Answer 4

The UK has an ageing population which means there will be a bigger population of over 60’s.

Question 5

What problems do people with a visual impairment suffer with?

Answer 5

1- They also may have other problems such as hearing and mobility problems.

2- Can experience problems with employment.

3- Unable to drive, cook, and managing money.

4- Can have a psychological impact. Individuals with visual impairment are more prone to depressive symptoms.

5- Can increase the likelihood of injuries resulting from falls

Question 6

Why is the economic impact of vision loss extremely large?

Answer 6

Because it costs billions of pounds when it comes to hospital and social care.

Question 7

A carer of a visually impaired individual can experience:

Answer 7

1- Depressive symptoms
2- Economic impact
3- Psychological impact

Question 8

Common causes of visual impairment in the UK from most common to least common:

Answer 8

1- Age related macular degeneration

2- Glaucoma

3- Diabetic retinopathy

Question 9

What are some of the key facts about AMD?

Answer 9

This is a disease which affects the back of the eye.

It affects the macular, which leads to visual impairment.

It is the main cause of blindness in the UK and developed nations.

It is the third cause of blindness globally.

This affects the middle part of your vision

Question 10

What are the risk factors for AMD?

Answer 10

1- Age
2- Genetics
3- Tobacco consumption
4- High blood pressure

Question 11

There are two types of AMD. What are they?

Answer 11

1- Atrophic or non-neovascular AMD (Dry AMD)

2- Exudative or neovascular AMD (Wet AMD)

Question 12

What are the symptoms of AMD?

Answer 12

1- Blurred vision

2- Straight lines appear wavy/crooked

3- Problems recognising people

4- Things look faded

Question 13

What are the current treatments for both types of AMD?

Answer 13

1- Dry AMD- nutritional supplements

2- Wet AMD- Anti VEGF agents

This will not treat AMD. It will just prevent further sight loss.

Question 14

What are some of the key facts of glaucoma?

Answer 14

10% of UK blind registrations due to glaucoma.

2% of people over 40 are affected in the UK.

Question 15

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

Answer 15

1- Age

2- Race

3- Family history of glaucoma

Question 16

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Answer 16

Tunnel vision

Question 17

What are the current treatments for glaucoma?

Answer 17

1- Drug treatment

2- Laser treatment

Question 18

How does diabetic retinopathy occur?

Answer 18

Caused as a result of diabetes.

Question 19

What are the key facts about diabetic retinopathy?

Answer 19

Major cause of visual impairment in the working population in the UK.

The number of people with diabetes is on the rise, which means people suffering from diabetic retinopathy will also increase.

Question 20

What are the risk factors of diabetic retinopathy?

Answer 20

1- Depends on the type of diabetes and its duration- the longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have it

2- Age

3- Pregnancy

4- Ethnicity

Question 21

What is the current treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

Answer 21

1- Good diabetic control

2- Laser photocoagulation- using a laser to get rid of extra blood vessels behind the eye

3- Vitrectomy- where you remove the vitreous gel

Question 22

What are the key facts about cataracts?

Answer 22

Major cause of global blindness.

Not such a problem in the UK as you have access to cataract surgery.

Question 23

How does cataracts occur?

Answer 23

Cataract occurs when there is a clouding of the crystalline lens.

Question 24

What are the types of cataracts?

Answer 24

1- Senile

2- Traumatic- occurs through injury to the eye.

3- Toxic- occurs due to steroid use

Question 25

What are the risk factors of cataracts?

Answer 25

1- Age
2- Nutrition
3- Family history

Question 26

What is the Charles Bonnet Syndrome?

Answer 26

This syndrome is when an individual experiences visual hallucination with normal psychological functioning.

Question 27

What is the Charles Bonnet syndrome associated with?

Answer 27

This is associated with bilateral visual impairment- this when an individual has a visual impairment in both their eyes.

Question 28

The Charles Bonnet syndrome often occurs with…

Answer 28

Elderly people

Question 29

What are the content of the hallucinations?

Answer 29

1- Consistent themes- including people, faces

2- Geometric shapes, spots, and flashes

Question 30

How would you help people with Charles Bonnet syndrome?

Answer 30

1- Reassure them

2- Suggest to the patient blink and distract themselves.