Know about AMD and Low Vision:
In the United States, vision loss is one of the major public health concern. Though there are many reasons for vision loss, such as cataract, diabetes, glaucoma, birth defect, injury, the most common cause is AMD that is Age-related Macular Degeneration – a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and above.
How can this problem be identified?
Often getting a headache, pain in the eyes, blurred vision, loss of central vision and hazy vision are some of the symptoms of low vision. Low vision due to AMD cannot be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. It can affect the daily activities like reading, shopping, cooking, watching that leads people feeling helpless and depressed. You may not notice these changes till they happen. But the sooner these problems are detected, the greater the chances of consulting a physician to help slow or stop further loss of sight. Whatever may be the cause, once you lost your vision, it cannot be restored. However, you can cope up with the situation by proper treatment and vision rehabilitation.
What are Vision Rehabilitation Services?
It is the process that includes a wide range of professional services that helps people adjust themselves to vision loss and restore functional ability and improve quality of life.
Who offers these services?
They are provided by a team of trained eye care professionals, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists. It helps people with low vision to maximize their vision and teaches them to live an independent and quality life, such as move safely around the home, carry out their activities like cooking, reading and other activities without anybody’s help. Promote rehabilitation services for people living with AMD and low vision in this awareness month of February.
Purpose of a Special Awareness Month:
February is devoted to raising awareness of age-related macular degeneration – the major cause of vision loss among older people, and encouraging them to learn more about ways to take care of eyes, know about the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options. Take this opportunity by getting yourself involved to share your experience with other people, and motivate them that how to lead a happy life despite low vision.
Ways to Promote Vision Rehabilitation:
AMD never causes complete blindness and early detection and timely treatment can avoid severe complications and further loss of vision. There is a saying “Prevention is better than Cure”. You can reduce the risk of having AMD and low vision by adopting simple preventive measures.
- Don’t strain your eyes by writing or reading at low contrast screens and small fonts;
- Do regular eye check-up;
- If you feel any symptoms of low vision, consult your ophthalmologist immediately;
- Maintain good lighting in your surroundings;
- If you happen to face the blue light and UV rays, wear proper eyewear to protect dyes;
- Eat nutritious and well-balanced diet;
- Quit smoking and drinking.
- There are more of advanced treatment technologies available nowadays for low vision through which you can enjoy an active and independent life;
- You can promote awareness by way of collecting donations to help the rehabilitation services.
Create Awareness:The main purpose of celebrating National AMD and Low Vision Awareness month is to raise awareness as though these disorders create a huge impact on people, many of them are not aware of this condition. Organize an awareness campaign in your community to know people about AMD and low vision, their symptoms, risk factors and how to live happily with these ailments. Promoting a cause with a giveaway gift is a great and easy way to reach the public. Though there are a variety of items, using customized silicone wristbands in your campaign is one of the best ways in view of their easy customizable nature. People love to wear them as they are attractive and look stylish. You can easily get these products online with different colors, types, and sizes.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is the success.” – we all join our hands together to promote rehabilitation for people with AMD and low vision.