February is National Low Vision Awareness Month - National Eye Institute

"Low vision is a term commonly used among eye care professionals to indicate partial sight, or sight that cannot be fully corrected with surgery, medications, contact lenses, or glasses. For people with low vision, the quality of their vision interferes with their ability to perform everyday activities, such as reading the mail, shopping, cooking, writing, watching television, and driving. 

Low vision is not a natural part of getting older, and it can happen to people of any age. One reason it occurs most often in older adults is that they are most likely to contract the diseases that cause low vision, including macular degeneration. Age related 
Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision you need for “straight-ahead” activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. While there is no cure for 
AMD, there are treatment options to stabilize the vision loss. Prevention is the key to minimize the risk of AMD by following a healthy, low fat diet, and wearing sun glasses for protection from ultraviolet rays. If you smoke, make a plan to quit as tobacco 
prevents the absorption of Lutein (an antioxidant) which is essential for good eye health. And see your eye care professional annually for a thorough eye exam. 

People with low vision should be aware rehabilitation services such as training in the use of magnification devices, electronic devices, computer-assistance devices, are available through Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired. These services help people maximize their remaining vision or learn alternate ways to do activities around their community and home." 

Source: National Eye Institute 
http://dhs.sd.gov/sbvi/documents/FebruaryNationalAMDLowVisionMonthwebsite.pdf

To learn more: 

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/lowvision/index.asp 

http://www.preventblindness.org/amd/ 

http://www.aoa.org/Macular-Degeneration.xml 

http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Info_About_Vision_Loss_For.asp?SnID=1377187980 

http://www.afb.org/seniorsitehome.asp 

www.mdsupport.org/library/saveyoursight.pdf


Please contact the Mid Hudson Valley Low Vision Network for more information about low vision and vision rehabilitation services in your area. 

Representatives are also available to provide community education programs about living with low vision/vision loss.