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Table of Contents
What should I do if I notice a decline in my vision?
Is it normal to feel sad or anxious if I am losing sight?
If my ophthalmologist advises me that I will face continuing vision loss and may eventually lose my sight, what should I do next?
Should I tell people about my declining vision?
How long does it take to adjust to vision loss?
What resources are available to assist people losing sight?
How can I get around if I have trouble seeing?
Can technology help me?
Are there products specifically made for people with little or no sight?
Can I still have fun if I cannot see?
What should I do if I notice a decline in my vision?
Whether the decline is minor or significant, you should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist should be able to tell you if you have a vision issue and, if so, how significant it is and what type of treatment might help. Some vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can be ameliorated by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Other more serious eye diseases may be treated with eye drops, pills, or surgery. Such treatments may not improve vision but can help reduce the chance that your vision might continue to deteriorate.
Is it normal to feel sad or anxious if I am losing sight?
Many people experiencing significant sight loss may feel depressed and anxious. They don’t know how they will manage if their sight continues to decline. This can lead to fear and, for some people, anger. Grief is also felt for the lost vision. Generally, these feelings will mitigate as people realize that they can still function and live worthwhile lives despite the sight loss.
If my ophthalmologist advises me that I will face continuing vision loss and may eventually lose my sight, what should I do next?
Your next best step may be to contact other persons who have already dealt with sight loss or blindness. They have had experience in adapting to life with declining or no vision and can offer much useful advice. The Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, sponsors a weekly support group meeting on Zoom. For more information about this support group and other presentations relating to issues of concern to people losing sight, please visit the Events page on this web site.
Should I tell people about my declining vision?
It is a personal choice as to whom and when to describe your vision loss. However, if the loss is significant, people around you are likely to notice in which case you may want to decide how you would like to describe what you are experiencing.
How long does it take to adjust to vision loss?
There is no set time schedule for this. If the loss is sudden, the adjustment may come sooner than if the loss is gradual simply because people experiencing sudden vision loss do not have time for a slow adjustment. Each person will adjust at that person’s own rate depending on how independent that person is, how much expertise that person has with technology, how many resources are available to that person and other factors affecting that person’s life. You should not feel you need to try to adapt at a pace that causes you more anxiety than comfort.
What resources are available to assist people losing sight?
There are many available resources. Every state has an agency or commission to assist people who are blind or have low vision. Many non-profit organizations also are dedicated to help these people such as the American Council of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind. The Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss is dedicated to helping older persons who are experiencing vision loss or who are blind or have low vision. For more information about the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, please visit the Home and Mission and Purpose pages on this web site. For more information about other resources, please visit the Resources page.
How can I get around if I have trouble seeing?
Most people who have limited or no sight use a white cane for mobility. The cane can find obstacles in your path as you walk. It can also alert others of your vision issue so they can avoid blocking your way. Some people choose to get a trained guide dog. These dogs are generally very helpful in guiding their owners but do require care. Most areas provide paratransit service for people with limited or no vision at a modest cost. For more information, please visit the Transportation and Mobility page on this web site.
Can technology help me?
Computers and smart phones now have screen readers that read aloud whatever is shown on their screens. They also have magnifiers to enhance what is shown visually. Home speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home Mini, also eliminate the need for sight in some instances. There are many apps designed to assist people with limited or no vision. For more information, please visit the Technology page on this web site.
Are there products specifically made for people with little or no sight?
There are many such products. Certain companies specialize in selling these. For more information, please visit our Resources page on this web site under the Business category.
Can I still have fun if I cannot see?
Many plays, movies, television shows, museums and recreation facilities now provide for audio description. Audible books, newspapers, magazines, and other literary materials are available without cost to people who are blind or have low vision. For more information, please visit the Events page on this web site under the Recreation and Entertainment category.