low vision Flashcards
macular degerneration
leading cause of legal blindness in people over 60
causes damage or breakdown of the macula. the macula is part of the retina response for capturing and directing light, seeing detail, the appreciation of color, and central vision.
dry: light sensitive cells slowly break down causing gradual blurring at the central vision in the affected eye. this is the most common form
wet: abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula that leak blood and fluid causing rapid damage to the macula.
causes: smoking obesity race (white >) family history gender (women >)
functional implications of MD
decreased ability to perform straight ahead tasks such as reading, sewing and driving
straight lines appear wavy
difficulty recognizing faces
seeing objects that arent there (flowers and stars)
detailed vision is reduced and a person may have trouble seeing up close or at a distance
decreased ability to judge height, distance, and depth
tx for MD
envrionemtnal mod. magnification don't smoke diet and exericse med/vitamins laser surgery photodynamic therapy maintain good BP clinical trials
glaucoma
#1 cause of preventable blindness causes: age (60 +) fam hx african americans diabetic
glaucoma fx implications
decreased peripheral vision sensitivity to light blurred misty or foggy vision pain (forehead, cheeks) halo around lights
tx for glaucoma
it’s permanent. tx can only prevent disease from progressing
meds- eye drops and oral meds laser surgery- safety valve environmental mod regular check ups
cataracts
clouding of the normally clear lens
progression of cataracts can vary in each individual and each eye
causes: disturbance of metabolism in the lens
effects of UV light
cigarette smoking
fx implications for cataracts
blurred vision decreased night vision sensitive to glare bright lights are uncomfy difficulty identifying color decreased contrast resulting in objects appearing dull.
tx for cataracts
change glasses surgery increase/change lighting absorptive lenses magnifiers use of hat on sunny days use bright colors with high contrast
diabetic retinopathy
diabetics at risk for cataracts and glauc. causes: diabetes obesity fam hx diet lifestyle
fx implications for diabetic retinopathy
decreased visual acuity increase in glare central and peripheral vision affected overall blurred/hazy vision trouble seeing detail
tx for diabetic ret.
if untreated can cause blindness PREVENTION (good glucose control) routine retinal exam test blood sugar 3-4x day maintain diet environmental mod. magnification laser surgery vitrectomy
low vision
limitations in visual acuity
visual fields
visual function
*cannot be corrected by medical/surgical internvetion, classes or contacts
What are some technology aids that may be used to compensate for low vision and how are they used?
optical devices: magnifying specs hand-held magnifier stand magnifyer telescopes video magniifiers
non-optical large print maps/directions folding cane lap desk low vision cards large bingo cards easy reader/stand self-threading needles 20/20 pen bold line paper writing guides large med organizer syringe magnifier talking alarm/watch large timer liquid level indicator large print checks talking calculator large button phone low vision cutting board
environmental mods
wear solid colors to see spills more more lighting near appliances learn to use other senses (listen, feel) mark dials or knobs at key points simplify the appliances highlight things with bright orange puffy paint wear a bib
