Low Vision Aids for Aging Eyes
While some people are born with complete or partial vision loss, most older adults’ vision slowly dissipates over time.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)can lead to a loss of both central vision and the ability to see fine details. AMD happens when aging causes damage to the macula that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision.
Learning to cope with these vision changes can take time, but certain low vision aids can help offset vision loss.
• Magnifiers: Magnifiers use lenses or cameras to make objects appear bigger. They can help with detailed tasks, • suchasthreadinganeedle,findingbuttonsonaremotecontrol, or reading a menu at restaurants.
• Lowvisionglasses: Low vision glasses are head-mounted, handsfree wearable technology that offer text-to-speech capabilities in a product about the size of sunglasses. NuEyes is a popular brand. Glasses magnify anything a person looks at.
• Large print items: There are a variety of products designed for those with low vision. These include wall clocks with large, bold numbers for easy viewing. Enlarged television remote controls and large-print books or digital reader settings help people with AMD maintain some normalcy.
• Color contrast aids: Color or contrast can be used to make items easier to see and use. For example, the Keys U Can See Keyboard has black letters and numbers on a striking yellow keyboard to greatly improve visibility.
• Talking products: From watches to clocks to bathroom scales, voice-equipped products give users information via audio.
In addition to these aids, eye doctors can recommend other products and treatments to help mitigate the vision loss that occurs with age, from AMD, or other eye illnesses.
—MetroCreativeConnection.com
