Low vision Flashcards
Advanced education options for OT in low vision
Low Vision Certificate (CLVT
UAB- 5 courses (CLVT-Certified Low Vision Therapist)
Salus University (CLVT-Certified Low Vision Therapist)
- Certificate Program-30 credits
- Masters of Science in Low Vision Rehab-36.5 credits
Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Scholarship Program
- VA-relocation, guaranteed job, money
AOTA-Specialty Certification in Low Vision (SCLV) (not offered anymore)
- Micro credentials
- Online courses
CATIS- Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist
CVRT-Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
ACVREP-Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation Education Specialists
COMPS-Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
What is an optometrist?
Has a doctor of optometry (OD)
Vision tests and complete eye exams
Diagnosis of some eye conditions
Prescription of contacts and glasses (and meds in some states)
Minor surgical procedures (in some states)
What is an ophthalmologist?
Has a medical degree (MD) or doctor of ophthalmology (DO)
Can do everything an optometrist can do
Medical treatment of eye diseases
Surgical treatment of eye diseases
What is an optician?
Specializes in the fabrication and fitting of glasses
What is the function of the eye?
Sight
Equilibrium
Aid to fine motor (major part of visual perceptual skills- eye hand coordination)
Aid to gross motor
Learning tool: developmental level (bystander play)
Socialization
As we age
- Decline in balance, ROM strength, sensation
- Compounded by vision loss
What are the different layers of the eye?
Outer, middle, inner
Describe the outer layer of the eye.
Sclera- whites
Cornea- window
- Bends light
Describe the middle layer of the eye.
Choroid coat: blood
Ciliary body: muscles to change shape of lens
Lens: focuses light on the retina
Iris: colored part
Pupil: opening, dilates of constricts as light passes
Describe the inner layer of the eye.
Retina
- Rods (black and white), cones (color)
Macula: disk on the retina, behind the lens; all parts of the macula are able to interpret information; OT can help teach people how to use other parts of macula
Fovea: depression in macula that is your preferred point of sight and where your brain interprets change
- Sharpest sight
What is the anterior cavity of the eye?
Aqueous humor
Maintains shape
Pressure of the eye
What is the posterior cavity of the eye?
Vitreous humor
Shape of eye
Hyperopia
Far sighted
Presbyopia
Far sighted due to age
Myopia
Near sighted
Light rays focus in front of the retina
Astigmatism
Problem with a curvature of the lens, several problems
Light rays focus on more than one point (unequal refraction of light in different meridians)
What is a hordeolum?
A sty
Inflamed sebaceous gland
Can turn into cellulitis
Optometrist may be able to perform sx to remove
What is a corneal abrasion?
Scratched lens, retina, eyeball
Very painful
What is cataracts?
Opacity or clouding of the lens
Eye injury, genetics, birth defects, sun
How does a CVA or TBI impact vision with glasses?
Wait 3-6 month to get refitted for glasses
What is glaucoma?
Increase in aqueous humor
Takes away peripheral vision
Side effect to many different diseases, over age 45
Higher risk: AA, Irish, Russian, Asian, Hispanics, Scandinavian, diabetics, infants
What is retinal detachment?
Separation of the retina from the choroid layer
Partial or complete
Usually an injury
- Diabetes
- Elderly can be spontaneous (family history)
Cobwebs, floating spots, flashes of light, shading
Painless
Medical emergency
What is macular degeneration?
Progressive disease, cells of macula die
Leading cause vision loss in US
Loss of “fine vision”
Starts with spots
Slowed with laser surgery-progress to vision loss
- shots
Aging process, hypertension, diabetes, genetics, light iris color
Wet MD: eye water
What is a strabismus?
“lazy eye” (ambloypia)
Genetics, brain injury
May or may not have double vision
Can be surgically fixed
What is conjunctivitis?
“Pinkeye”, irritants, colds, allergy
Can be contagious
What is blepharitis?
Ulceration of edges of eye
Usually due to a clogging of sweat or oil glands
Can be treated with topical medications, surgery, or hot compresses
What is low vision?
Progressive diseases that lead to chronic loss of sight and limit daily function.
- Effects many elderly, as this population increases so does this disorder
What are common causes of low vision?
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Diabetic retinopathy
What is the VFQ?
Visual Function Questionnaire
It measures the influence of visual disability and symptoms on generic health domains such as emotional well-being and social functioning, in addition to task-oriented domains related to daily visual functioning.
Visual acuity
Visual field
Contrast sensitivity
Shades of gray
Light to dark ratio
Light modulation
Ability to tolerate different degrees of light
Visual perception
Figure ground
Visual closure
What does insurance do about low vision?
Insurance doesn’t cover low vision services as primary diagnosis. Must put acuity level.
If 20/60 or better insurance won’t cover it
How do you test visual acuity at a distance?
Feinbloom Distance Test Chart
How do you test reading acuity?
Minnesota Low Vision Reading test
- Also called the MN reading card
- Black and white
- Pt needs to be in good light and reading at 90º angle
- Looks at how quickly they can read at different levels
How do you test peripheral field?
Manually test -
Periphery testing
Dyna vision
What is the scotoma assessment?
Usually completed by optometrist or ophthalmologist
Amsler Grid or Tangent Screen test
What environmental factors should you assess with low vision?
Current lighting
Usually cause it’s easier
Possible positions for additional lighting
Organization systems
Current low vision devices
Ergonomics of task performance
Emergency response and danger
Inside and away from home
Interventions for low vision
Education
Use of Devices
- Optical
* Typically enlarge, DOES NOT CLARIFY or remove blind spots or distortions
- Non-optical
* Timers
* Voice operated devices
Lighting Strategies
- Bright vs direct
- Portable
- Overhead or directed
- Handle Glare
* Sunglass, visors
Contrast strategies
Modified methods for peripheral field loss.
Teach scanning techniques
Increased lighting
Increased contrast
Functional Mobility
Modified methods for central field loss.
Increased lighting
Eccentric viewing skills
Increased contrast
Magnifiers
Modified methods for decreased acuity (unable to correct)
Increased lighting
Increased contrast
Magnification
Ideas to improve function in low vision clients
Large Print
- 16-18 pt is recommended
Font
- Avoid decorative
- Bold
- Avoid italics and capital letters
Ue Color
- Headings
- Dark Blues and Greens
Contrast
- Light on Dark
Paper Quality
- Avoid glossy finish
Spacing
- 1.5 to double over single spaced
Tracking
- Close letters are more difficult
Margins
- At least 1-1.5 inches is preferred
- Easier to set up with a magnifier