$Unique_ID{BRK01226}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Failing Vision in Later Years of Life}
$Subject{vision eyes aging}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Failing Vision in Later Years of Life


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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 good use some good advice about this problem.

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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 audiocassettes or records.  Most larger libraries now stock
large-type books and many bookstores sell audiocassette 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 Scrabble word game.  With all these
aids, you may continue you fine lifestyle, without allowing your vision
problems to decrease your enjoyment.
ÿ
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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.
