“A few weeks ago, my mother woke up and noticed her vision was a little blurry in one eye. She thought maybe she had something in her eye, but the blurriness wouldn’t go away. By the end of the day, it was worse, and the next morning she could not see to read, recognize Dad’s face clearly or fix breakfast. Her eye doctor told her it was macular degeneration. She is very frustrated because she cannot read her medicine labels, watch television or sew. She stopped going to her church group meetings because she says she can not see the other ladies faces to talk to them. She is afraid of falling, so Dad has to go shopping for groceries. What can she do?”
Functional vision for the normally sighted person is so basic to everyday living that sudden, or even gradual, vision loss can have a devastating impact on quality of life. At Cleveland Clinic's Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, we offer specialized functional evaluations and therapy options for adults diagnosed with vision problems. Although we cannot restore sight, we can teach patients to use a number of techniques and devices so they can live as independently as possible.
Services are provided by licensed occupational therapists who have been trained as certified low vision therapists. The therapists provide a comprehensive evaluation and offer therapy options for individuals who not only are coping with vision loss but also have other physical problems that limit their daily activities.
Assessment of Functional Vision
Although traditional eye exams are typically performed under “ideal” conditions, life is rarely ideal. At the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, our low vision therapists assess functional visual ability using life-like conditions, such as various levels of lighting and contrast conditions, indoor and outdoor settings, and while doing everyday tasks.
Our goal is to help patients regain as much independent functioning as possible by using their remaining vision and, when appropriate, by training them to use adaptive techniques or devices.
By understanding the individual patient’s vision deficits and how they affect the ability to perform everyday activities, we can better tailor the therapy. Our focus is on daily functional activities such as:
- Self-care
- Home management tasks, such as meal preparation and bill paying
- Leisure activities
- Driving assessment
Therapy Options
Therapy is designed to meet the needs and goals of the individual patient but may include some of the following:
- Lighting and contrast options [use of different types of light and contrasting colors to enhance functional vision]
- Organization and labeling of clothing and other household items
- Adaptation and equipment ideas to increase independence with self-care (matching clothing), home(meal preparation), work (reading, computer) and leisure activities
- Learning “sighted-guide” techniques so that the patient and caregiver can walk confidently together in a store or crowded mall, and up and down steps
Adaptive devices, such as magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), and assistive-computer technology help people read, sew and work on hobbies, shop, walk with greater confidence, communicate and stay connected with others. Once we have a prescription for magnification from a trained eye physician, our low vision therapists can educate and train patients how to use the devices, so they can learn to function as independently as possible.
Education and Resources
Changes in visual function affect an entire family, not just the patient. Our low vision therapists educate patients and families about vision loss, including expectations and how to work together to regain functional independence. We also connect patients to resources for adaptive equipment, as well as Web-based information, support groups, and local, state and national organizations designed for people with vision loss.
Appointments
If you’ve been diagnosed with a vision-related illness or injury and desire low vision services, ask your physician for a prescription for an “Occupational Therapy Low Vision Evaluation.” You also will need the results of an eye exam performed within the last year. For more information, call 216.445.8479. To schedule an Occupational Therapy Low Vision Functional Evaluation, please call 216.445.8000.
