Nashville, TN (PRWEB) July 31, 2015 -- Dr. Stewart Shofner meets with patients daily who experience some form of low vision as it’s not as uncommon as many think. Over 10 million Americans are diagnosed with low vision and Dr. Shofner explains what causes low vision and shares helpful tips for the most common problems people endure with low vision.
A few easy adjustments to the living areas of a person with low vision can improve visibility and reduce the risk of an injury. Dr. Shofner shares top five tips to help those that have low vision.
1. Lights. Make sure their home is well lit and bright with additional lamps or task lighting. Outdoor walkways, kitchen, bathroom and work areas all should be fully and evenly illuminated. Have flashlights nearby in case power goes out.
2. Stairs. Mark stairs or slopes with brightly colored tape. Bright colors that contrast with the flooring work best. Handrails are imperative, even if only for a couple of steps.
3. De-Clutter. Remove unnecessary household clutter and be sure floors are clear and safe. Offer to help with organizing important items and packing up others to ensure items used daily are easily accessible.
4. ER Numbers. Create a list of important phone numbers in large print on bold-lined paper and program automatic dialing options if available. Include emergency contacts, doctors, family and closest neighbor's information near each phone and in the console or above the visor in every vehicle.
5. Upgrades. Suggest purchasing a large-screen television that produces high-contrast images. Ensure furniture is placed closer to the TV if upgrading is not in the budget.
About Low Vision
According to the National Eye Institute about 135 million people around the world have low vision. Low vision may interfere with normal daily activities such as driving, reading, socializing, and walking. Essentially, "low vision" describes significant visual impairment that can't be corrected fully with glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.
Some also include those who have a decreased ability to see because they do not have access to glasses or contact lenses. Visual impairment is often defined as a best corrected visual acuity of worse than either 20/40 or 20/60. Children as well as adults can be visually impaired, sometimes because of a birth defect or an injury. Low vision more commonly affects adults and seniors. Their vision loss may lead to a state of depression.
Causes of Low Vision
Eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa are common causes of low vision. Heredity and eye injuries also can result in low vision.
Poor vision that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses could be the first sign of a serious eye disease such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa. Dr. Shofner strongly recommends scheduling an eye exam with an eye doctor immediately after experiencing sudden vision changes or vision impairment.
About Shofner Vision Center
We specialize in LASIK/PRK Procedures including Custom 3D LASIK and Z-LASIK, Cataract Vision Correction Surgery, and Complete Eye Exams. Dr. Stewart Shofner, one of the most prominent eye surgeons in the country has performed more than 30,000 LASIK/PRK vision correction surgeries and 10,000 ocular surgeries in Middle Tennessee. Dr. Kevin Johnson is Board Certified in the treatment of diseases of the eye and continues to assist the US Air Force with the evaluation of LASIK for Air Force Pilot Candidates.
We also have special LASIK programs for Wounded Warriors providing free LASIK for any Serviceman or Servicewoman who has lost a limb in combat. We also offer extremely attractive prices for Veterans, Reservists, and Active Duty Serviceman and Women and their dependents and also police and fireman. Our reputation for excellence makes us one of the most affordable eye care practices in the Nashville area. Accepting new patients, we encourage you to contact Shofner Vision Center to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, Shofner Vision Center, http://www.shofnervisioncenter.com, +1 (615) 340-4733, [email protected]
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