Eye disorders
Loss of sight is a common cause of disability with significant impacts on mobility and activities of daily living (ADL). The most common causes of visual impairment in adults are cataracts, glaucoma diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. In child the most common causes are congenital.
Visual impairment
Classified as central or peripheral deficits.
Legal blindness – defined in Social Security Act (USA) as visual acuity of less than 20/200 in the better eye; visual field of less than 20 degrees in better eye. Definition of legal blindness is somewhat arbitrary, but is used for criteria as access to social services.
Vision enhancement methods (IMAGE):
Illumination devices
Magnification
Altered contrast
Glare reduction
Expander of visual field
Adverse outcomes associated with visual impairment:
Reduction in functional ability; reduced quality of life; social isolation loneliness; falls; accidents; depression
Vision substitution methods:
Canes; guide dogs; sonic devices; braille books; talking books; talking watches and other devices; computer aided systems
Tips for working with the visually impaired:
avoid startling them
stand in front of them when speaking to them
diffuse bright light is better
minimise distractions
clearly identify yourself
make it clear when you enter or leave room
narrate any actions
provide large print instructions if needed
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