Low vision affects millions of Americans – including many older adults. People with low vision aren’t blind, but because of their vision loss, they may need assistance to perform everyday tasks like reading, navigating and transportation.
What is low vision?
Low vision is defined as a visual acuity of 20/70. It can be caused by eye diseases or health disorders, eye injuries, birth defects, or age. Someone with low vision can’t simply put on a pair of glasses or contacts and see well; this condition is beyond the typical loss of vision that occurs with aging. There are many different types of vision loss the most common conditions of vision loss include macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
What is AMD?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs, affecting reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, safety navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision.
To help maintain healthy eyes:
- Visit an eye doctor regularly
- Eat a diet with plenty of green
- Include omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, nuts, and plant oils, in your daily diet
- Exercise regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Avoid smoking
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays
If you are experiencing vision loss, we are here to help. Contact us at 570-323-9401 to speak to a specialist.