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Low Vision Resources
Low vision is a common term used to describe people who are less able to perform daily tasks because of limited sight that cannot be corrected with standard prescription glasses.
Low vision occurs when visual acuity is greater than 20/70 in the better eye with the aid of corrective lenses. This means that a person must be 20 feet from an eye chart to see what a person with normal vision can see at 70 feet. It is estimated that at least 13 million Americans over the age of 45 suffer from vision impairments that qualify as low vision.
Problems Associated with Low Vision
Some of the difficulties associated with low vision include problems with glare, lighting, and contrast (which allows us to see different shades of the same color).
Glare can be a real problem for people with glaucoma. Whether it is from the sun or a bright indoor light, glare can reduce the brightness differences and impair contrast sensitivity. Tinted lenses can be used to lessen the effects of some of these problems.
The amount of light available can also present challenges. Most people who have glaucoma are very sensitive to excessive light, especially extreme sunlight. Moderately lit conditions can also pose a problem and usually require additional lighting.
Causes of Low Vision
There are many different diseases that contribute to low vision. Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that involve damage to the optic nerve, usually affects the peripheral (side) vision first. Common features of glaucoma can include too much fluid in the eye, damage to the optic nerve and to the visual field (sight loss). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Fortunately, loss of vision from glaucoma can be prevented if detected and treated early.
Educational Resources and Support Services
The Glaucoma Research Foundation provides the following list of educational programs, support groups and counseling services as a resource for those with glaucoma and their families. GRF makes no claim as to the accuracy of this information, nor is inclusion on the list an endorsement of an organization. Updates on new or revised resources are appreciated and can be sent to webmaster@glaucoma.org.
American Foundation for the Blind
Eleven Penn Plaza Ste 300
New York, NY 10001
(800) 232-5463
Email: afbinfo@afb.org
Provides public education, social, and technological research for the blind or visually impaired. Also provides information on legislation affecting blind and visually impaired persons.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120
(415) 561-8500
Sponsors EyeCare America, a project that provides a free initial eye exam to qualified patients. Also sponsors a program that provides eye exams to people over 65 who cannot afford care. Offers listing of national and local eye care organizations.
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindberg Boulevard Ste 300
Louis, MO 63141
(314) 991-4100
Coordinates Vision USA, a program of free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Also supports the Council on Research, which coordinates and develops research proposals to improve eye care.
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
1929 Bayview Ave
Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8
(416) 480-7580
Provides counseling, rehabilitation and educational materials to Canadians with low vision. Also offers large print books and books on tape.
Canadian Glaucoma Society
1525 Carling Avenue Ste 610
Ottawa, Ontario K12 8R9
(800) 267-5763
(613) 729-7209
Library of Congress
National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Washington, DC 20542
(202) 707-5100 or TDD (202) 707-0744
Email: nls@loc.gov
Administers a free national library program of Braille and recorded books and magazines for the visually impaired and physically disabled. Blindness and Visual Impairments: Information and Advocacy Organizations (Item No. 896-01) is a free publication that lists state and nationwide advocacy, advisory and counseling programs.
Lighthouse International
111 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
(800) 334-5497 or TDD (212) 821-9713
Educates professionals and the public about the effects of vision loss. Provides rehabilitation services for all aspects of low-vision.
Lions Clubs International
300 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60521-8842
(630) 571-5466
Supports SightFirst, a program that provides services for people with critical needs. Sponsors public awareness programs regarding diabetes and glaucoma. Supports eye banks, research and clinics.
LowVision.com
3030 Enterprise Ct., Suite D
Vista, CA 92081
Telephone: (800) 826-4200
Email: info@LowVision.com
Created as an online resource center for Low Vision. Information, news, discussion groups, and products dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with visual impairments.
National Eye Institute
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
(301) 496-5248
The NEI, part of the National Institutes of Health, is the Federal government’s principal agency for conducting and supporting vision research. The NEI coordinates public and professional awareness activities related to low vision through the National Eye Health Education Program This program aims to increase awareness of low vision and its impact on quality of life and is directed toward people with low vision, their families and friends, and the health care and service professionals who care for them.
National Glaucoma Research
22512 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD 20871
(800) 437-2423 or (301) 948-3244
Toll-free hotline offers current information on research and treatments. Free quarterly newsletter, National Glaucoma Research Report.
Prevent Blindness America
211 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
(800) 331-2020
Offers information on diseases and injuries of the eye. Also available is a newsletter, Prevent Blindness News. Some Spanish materials are available.
Research to Prevent Blindness
645 Madison Avenue 21st Floor
New York, NY, 10022-1010
(800) 621-0026 or (212) 752-4333
Funds research to develop effective methods of treatment, prevention, and a cure for diseases that impair vision.
information on this page reviewed and updated 10/14/09