If you have got low vision or conditions akin to nearsightedness, cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, you already know that this example comes with many challenges. These can range from moderate (needing glasses to read or drive) to severe (losing your independence or the power to see a loved one's face clearly). It just isn’t surprising, then, that more severe visual impairment is related to higher rates of depression in people of all ages.
Widely available accessibility features and specialized vision rehabilitation programs can provide help to learn to deal with stressful challenges and adapt activities to get through every day.
And even small steps—just like the ones below—could make life more bearable when you have got vision impairment.
Use accessible features.
Some features of a pc or smartphone will be very useful. For example, you may enlarge fonts, zoom in on a picture, or ask your computer or phone to read documents, calendar items, texts, or emails to you.
But organising these features can take a little bit of tech know-how — or a minimum of the patience to search out the steps to enable these features and work your way through them. For example, your computer could have an accessibility feature that may read aloud portions of text you highlight.
Try special equipment.
Several gadgets will help with vision impairment in your every day life.
- Read-aloud devices. “These include spectating devices like the Orcam, a point-and-click device that reads any text you point at,” says Lee.
- Magnification devices. “Magnification methods have been shown to assist people with visual impairments. High-powered spectacle readers, handheld magnifiers, and electronic video devices are some of the options.” Le note.
- Smart speaker. Tabletop smart speakers are virtual assistants that hook up with the Internet and receive your voice commands to dial phone numbers, retrieve information, control other smart home devices (akin to lights, thermostats, or security systems), and more. Act on.
Try helpful apps.
Many apps can do the identical thing as we just mentioned.
- Apps that magnify images, akin to Mass Eye and Ear's SuperVision+. It works like a magnifying glass, allowing you to see closer while you hold your phone as much as something. You may have already got an analogous app in your phone.
- Apps that permit you see, like Seeing AI or Lookout by Google. This form of app gives you a transient description of whatever is in your camera's view, including effective print.
- Apps that read recorded books to you, like BARD Mobile from the Library of Congress or Audible. (Not an app though, you would possibly enjoy it too. Free online talking book program from Perkins School for the Blind.)
- Virtual assistant apps akin to Google Assistant, which act like a sensible speaker.
Adapt your private home.
You may find it helpful to make changes around your private home.
- Label the objects. Label drawers, books, phones, appliances, spice bottles, and anything you would possibly need assistance identifying. Use a big font and high contrast on labels, making them easy to see.
- Large numbers and letters. Replace your old home phone with extra large numbers on the buttons, or get a blood pressure cuff with extra large numbers within the readout. Other items with extra large numbers or letters include books, scales, thermometers, computer keyboards, thermostats, watches, pedometers, TV remotes, calculators, and clocks.
- Add more lights. Light plays a crucial role in vision. You can install automatic night lights in your private home to light your way. Or adding a number of extra lamps or lighting fixtures to a specific room will help. “Judging the position of the light correctly can help improve reading ability,” Lee says. for,” says Lee.
Rethink driving.
Driving will be very difficult for individuals with any degree of vision impairment.
- If night driving is simply too difficult, plan ahead. “Let a friend or family member drive you at night, or plan your day accordingly to drive on slow roads and highways, lots of traffic, and oncoming traffic,” Lee says. Avoid lights that will cause glare.”
- If you now not drive, think about using a community ride service. Free rides to doctor's appointments and grocery stores for the visually impaired are sometimes available through local nonprofit groups and non secular organizations.
Need more help?
Vision recovery could make a difference. To find services near you, ask your eye care provider, or use Search tool Prevent Blindness Provided by a non-profit group.