According to the World Health Organization, it’s estimated that 249 million people are living with low vision. Living with low vision can be frustrating for many, but rest assured you’re not alone. Here are a few tips and ideas that may help make everyday tasks a little easier.
Go Big! This tip can be applied in many aspects of your life. By increasing the size of items, such as your computer monitor, telephone numbers, watch face or alarm clock, visibility can easily and quickly be increased.
Instead of using standard type fonts, utilize the large print books, magazines and newspapers. They also make various games in large print, such as Bingo cards, standard playing cards and even board games.
Look on the bright side. Increasing the lighting in your living spaces can be very impactful. Install extra lighting underneath cabinets for increased visibility in the kitchen and inside closets to help brighten some of those common dark spaces.
Think Black and White. Okay, so not everything has to be extreme opposites, but it’s smart to use contrasting colors to your advantage. Paint the trims of your door and baseboards a different color than the walls and use contrasting outlet covers as well. Many individuals use this method to differentiate stairs either leading up to or within their homes. Another suggestion is to have light colored floors and darker furniture, making it easier to locate the objects within the room.
Ditch the obstacles. Remove loose throw rugs and low, knee-high furniture to decrease potential tripping hazards. Keeping a tidy home is also recommended, reducing the risk of falls.
Visit a specialist. Don’t hesitate to reach out when help is needed. There are incredible facilities and physicians that specialize in assisting folks with low vision, right in our own backyard. They can discuss various low vision devices and help you decide what’s right for you. Did you know they make a magnifying glass with a built in light? Or glasses that specifically enhance contrast between objects when worn? How about video magnifiers that offer the capability to increase brightness and contrast of objects that are filmed? There are plenty of specialized aids available that can greatly diminish common everyday frustrations.
Don’t get discouraged. We understand that living with low vision can be a huge challenge, but with practice and persistence, you’ll figure out what solutions are best for you and new habits will eventually turn into a normal routine.
Sources: www.allaboutvision.com, www.afb.org, www.visionaware.org
