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Although vision loss is commonly associated with aging, vision problems can occur at any age. Even if glasses or treatment cannot correct or improve a particular condition, people with low vision can continue to lead full and active lives. In fact, there are many inexpensive low vision aids that can enhance the quality of life. Dynamic Living offers over 30 products dedicated to aiding people with vision impairment. (for the full collection, see our
low vision page)
Any changes in vision, according to the National Eye Institute, may indicate early onset of eye disease. If you have difficulty recognizing faces, matching colors, reading signs, or doing "up close" tasks like reading, cooking or sewing, even while wearing your glasses or contacts, you should consult an eye doctor.
In addition to the treatment solutions an eye doctor might recommend, changing the approach or tools used to accomplish a task can make life easier. When shopping for household gadgets, for example, it is important to look for big buttons, letters and numbers with high-contrast features. Most people are not aware of the variety of products that are designed specifically to support people with low vision. Many of these items are readily available locally, while others can be found at specialty retailers, like Dynamic Living, Inc.
Large Print Products are a popular solution for people with low vision. Most bookstores and libraries carry large print newspapers, magazines and books. It's also a good idea to use a black, wide-tip felt pen for writing notes to yourself or labeling items around the house in large letters that are easy for you to read. More specialized products available include a big print check register and address book and
large display clocks.
Large numbers can even be found on special thermostats.
Dynamic Living also carries popular games, such as
Scrabble Tiles and playing cards in oversized formats along with an oversized checkers set. For computer buffs, there are large type computer keyboards and
keyboard overlays.
Larger Buttons increase ease-of-operation and are available on
telephones, answering machines and remote control units. We sell an oversized universal remote control that has extra large 3/4" buttons that light when the remote is moved. The numbers are on round buttons, the channel scrolls on triangles on the left and the volume adjustments on triangles on the right. This arrangement is a lot less confusing for most people, not just those with low vision and because of it's size, it is impossible to lose!
Color Coding can also help individuals who have low vision. Using contrasting colors while working in the kitchen can be of great assistance. Choose a dark tablecloth to place beneath your plates, if they are white. Use a colored mixing bowl, rather than a clear or white one, when combining dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. Color-coded measuring spoons are another helpful aid. Big number, color coded measuring spoons make it easier to identify the size spoon you need.
Consistency can reduce frustration for people with low vision. Organize items you use daily and return them to the same locations so that you are not always looking for things. Place food and tools on a tray to keep them organized and prevent them from rolling away. If needed, you can use a second tray as a workspace, separating the items still being used from those items no longer needed.
Magnification is an option that is particularly helpful when working with small print or on close-up hobbies. Many inexpensive, multipurpose magnifiers are available at the local pharmacy or discount department store. We offer a number of magnifiers including a
hands-free magnifier and a magnified mirror on our web-site. High-powered magnifiers and electronic magnification aids are potential alternatives. These can be expensive and sometimes inappropriate for particular visual difficulties. Let your doctor or low vision specialist guide you to the magnification aids that are right for you.
Increased Lighting throughout the home is also an easy way to enhance vision. In general, as we get older, we need more lighting to do familiar tasks. It is especially important to have good lighting in high-risk fall areas like stairways. The type of lighting you choose depends upon your condition and the type of task you routinely perform in any given area. Fluorescent lights disperse light evenly without shadows over a wide area. Use average-to-dim lighting to decrease glare if you have cataracts or corneal problems. If you use a magnifier, place a light between the magnifier and paper to sharpen the image or use a
magnifier with a built in light. When watching television or working on a computer, color filters can reduce glare and sharpen images.
Audible Cues Who says we have to absorb all information visually? There are a variety of talking products that engage the ears instead. In addition to talking clocks, watches and timers, we carry talking
calculators, scales, thermometers and pill timers.
Books on tape are an alternative for the avid reader with failing eyesight and these can be found in most bookstores and libraries. If cooking is your passion, why not record your favorite recipes on tape? Then place the tape recorder in a plastic bag to protect it from spills and splashes in the kitchen.
Early diagnosis of a vision problem might help you prevent potential vision loss. But if your low vision is beyond prevention, there are local and state organizations, as well as vision rehabilitation specialists, who can help you find the right tool for the task or even a new way to do a familiar task. There are lots of wonderful resources available to those who seek them out.
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© Copyright 2001
Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
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