Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Adapting to reduced vision from glaucoma

Introduction

Key points

Reduced vision, or low vision, from glaucoma may make it difficult for you to work and manage many of the activities of daily life. Learning to adapt to reduced vision can make your life easier and safer.

  • Accommodations for reduced vision in your home can include changing lights and lighting, using contrast in objects you use often and in structures such as door frames and light switches, labeling and marking medications and food, and eliminating other potential hazards.
  • Visual aids and adaptive technologies such as magnifying lenses, video enlargement systems, large-print books and newspapers, and adaptive appliances can help you work, communicate, and travel.
  • Counseling, rehabilitation, and training are available to assist you in managing your household, cooking, shopping, personal grooming, and other aspects of daily home and work life that can be challenging to a person with reduced vision.
  • Developing a personal support network can help you maintain your quality of life and deal with the fear and anxiety that can result from having a chronic illness.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What measures can I take at home to help me adapt to living with reduced vision?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why is it important to make accommodations and learn to use vision aids and other adaptive technologies?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can these adaptations help me cope with reduced vision?
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action Where to go from here

If you would like more information, the following resources are available:

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Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated July 7, 2006
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology

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