QUESTION: I believe my vision isn't as good as it used to be, probably because I am getting on in years.
Still I don't want this to put a damper on an otherwise satisfactory way of living.
I am looking to you for some help, perhaps a few tips on how to deal with this problem.
I know there are many other people who could use some good advice about this problem.
ANSWER: Although I can offer you a great deal of advice, probably the first thing on your agenda should be a visit to your eye specialist, who can not only determine the present state of your vision but take the appropriate steps to treat any underlying diseases.
Even if nothing can be done to reverse your vision loss, you may still be able to preserve what vision you have. Here's the first bit of help.
You may qualify for a free medical eye examination, (not an examination for glasses) supported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
If you are 65 or older, haven't had an eye exam in the last 3 years, and are in financial need, you may call 1-800-222-EYES to find out if you qualify. Next, understand that you are not alone.
In the United States there are 11.4 million people with visual impairment, which can be defined as not having enough vision to function normally.
Visual impairment varies.
Some people have excellent peripheral vision but cannot read because their central vision is poor.
Others, with good but narrowed central vision, can read but not get around easily.
Still others have completely blurred vision. There are many groups that help people with poor vision.
Two are the National Society to Prevent Blindness: 500 E.
Remmington Road, Schaumberg, IL 60195, (800) 221-3004; and the American Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired: 206 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Visual aids can help you enjoy life and continue to function independently.
These include special glasses, hand-held magnifiers, telescopic lenses that fit on regular eyeglasses, and even computers that talk instead of printing information on a screen.
An optometrist (an O.D.
who deals with nonmedical vision problems) can fit you with special glasses and instruct you on choosing the right visual aids for you.
The American Optometric Association (243 North Lindbergh Blvd.
St.
Louis, MO 63141, (314) 991-4100) can give you the name of an optometrist who specializes in working with low-vision.
Optical aids are also available through the National Association for the Visually Handicapped (22 W.
21 St.
New York, N.Y.
10010, (212) 889-3141) and the American Foundation for the Blind: 15 W.
16 St., New York, N.Y.
10011, telephone; (800) AFB-LIND, in New York State (212) 620-2000. In addition to visual aids, there are many other items that can help you live better.
Many books and magazines are printed in large type or are available on audio cassettes or records.
Most larger libraries now stock large-type books and many bookstores sell audio cassette versions of recent best sellers, some of which are read by leading actors.
Reader's Digest is available in large type, Braille, and talking book editions; and there is a weekly large-type edition of the New York Times.
There are even large-type playing cards and a large-type version of the Scrabble word game.
With all these aids, you may continue your fine lifestyle without allowing your vision problems to decrease your enjoyment.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
