It’s time for February 2021’s Link Party with Sheryl at A Chronic Voice! Sheryl writes prompts for each month and collects writer’s responses. Her prompts are always pertinent and I love reading everyones take on them. This month I’ve decided to focus on Low Vision Awareness Month for the prompts of Defining, Saving, and Educating. My father has low vision and I’ve previously written about the Temporal Arteritis that stole it. Living with low vision is really challenging. Thankfully today, technology is helping many people be able to function, and enjoy their hobbies.
Defining Low Vision
First, let’s define Low Vision:
- “Can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments like medicine or surgery
- Most common in people age 65 and older, but it can affect anyone
- Can’t be reversed — but it can be managed” From the National Eye Institute.
Educating
According to the National Eye Institute, “Low vision affects millions of Americans — including many older adults in your community. People with low vision aren’t blind, but because of their vision loss, they may not be able to do everyday tasks like driving or reading.”
And, “– according to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people are either blind or have a vision impairment; of these people, at least 1 billion have vision loss that could have been prevented or is yet to be treated. The leading causes of these vision impairments are cataracts and uncorrected refractive conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia.” From the Yesnick Vision Center website.
Vision Rehabilitation
Low vision rehabilitation focuses on techniques and tools to help a person stay as independent as they can be. A Vision Rehabilitation Specialist can help you set up your home so you can move through it safely. They can show you how to prepare food safely in your kitchen, and how to use magnifying devices to help you read, sew, or craft. This article goes into more detail about what activites are covered: What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Saving Your Eyesight
Next, regular eye exams can catch health problems before they cause serious problems. Using eye protection equipment like Safety Glasses or Goggles can help protect your eyes in environments where particles or chemical splashes can occur. Knowing what signs to look for can help you know when to see an eye doctor or go to an emergency room or urgent care center.
Don’t Ignore These Eye Symptoms
Items marked with an * require immediate medical attention, because they can come from medical conditions or injuries that can lead to blindness if not treated as soon as possible.
- Flashing Lights, Floaters, Or A Gray Shadow in your vision*
- Sudden Loss of Vision In One Eye*
- Eye Pain*
- Eye Injury*
- Persistent Discomfort in Your Eye
- One Red Eye
- Eye Discomfort With Contact Use
- Blurred Vision
- Any Of The Above Symptoms After Eye Surgery*
For more information, you can read this article. 9 Serious Eye Symptoms to Watch Out For
Allocating and Uniting
Next, it’s been a challenge this month to allocate my spoons well. My parents have needed more help in the last two weeks, and I’ve found myself struggling with way more fatigue. Add in an unexpected stay by my son and daughter-in-law due to their house plumbing not draining at all. I’m enjoying their visit, but my routines are all off kilter. This too shall pass.
Lastly, the topic of unity makes me think of how divided my country is. I feel sad about how much hatred and violence is going on. I also feel sad about the large number of people who are struggling financially and medically in my wealthy country.
Wrap-Up
Well that wraps up my February Link Post. Please share this info with your family and friends. Till next time, stay safe! Kathy
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