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Dr Bruce A Kater
Dr. Bruce A. Kater is medical director at the Envision Rehabilitation Center, a clinic primarily serving patients with low vision. He earned his O.D. degree from the University of Houston, and has worked in low vision optometry since 1995. Dr. Kater can be reached at Envision Rehabilitation Center (316) 267-2244 , toll free (800) 685-7959 or visit www.envisionus.com
Vision
2004-12-01 10:02:00
Rehabilitation & adaptive aids
QUESTION: My mother has macular degeneration and is losing her vision. What can I do to help her? The doctor said there is no cure.
ANSWER:  Unfortunately, your mother's doctor is correct. There is no cure for macular degeneration. Some kinds of wet macular degeneration may be stabilized through medical treatment, but there's no proven "miracle cure" for most people with the disease.But that doesn't mean that medical science can't help her. She can benefit from vision rehabilitation, which has the goal of helping her make the most of her remaining vision. This process begins with a low vision assessment, in which the eye doctor identifies exactly what parts of her vision are giving her problems. We can usually identify some optical solu-tions to improving her function. These may include a new refraction (eyeglass prescription), use of a prism built in to the lens, filters or magnification. Patients with vision loss can also generally benefit from learning rehabilitation skills. These may include learning new viewing techniques, which help the patient better use their "good" vision. Patients can also learn orientation and mobility skills so they can move about more safely, learn how to use a "reading machine" or use other forms of electronic magnification, and learn independent living skills so they can continue to live safely and effectively at home.Patients who take advantage of vision rehabilitation services often report a big improvement in their ability to do daily tasks. With that, they often resume other activities that they may have given up on. If you have impaired vision from any cause, you should definitely ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation.Since the holidays will soon be upon us, you might also want to think about some gifts that can help your mother with daily activities. Since there are now so many people with vision loss, there is a wide range of household products that are low vision friendly.For someone with moderate low vision, we usually recommend products that enhance vision. These may include a large-print and high contrast watch, measuring cups with large print, or games with large, high contrast cards and playing pieces.If magnification is of limited help, then we recommend products that help replace vision. For example, if you can't see your watch, you can get a talking watch or one with a flip-up crystal so you can feel the time. With modern microelectronics there are many talking products, including telephones and caller ID boxes. Another approach is to solve a visual problem with your sense of touch. One of the most effective adaptive aids, bump dots, is also one of the cheapest. Place an adhesive dot on your favorite button on your VCR, your microwave or oven, and you'll always find it with ease.The great thing about an adaptive aid is that it is useful to everyone, even those who don't have low vision. Everyone benefits from larger print and tactile features. Hopefully in the future we'll see more products like these.
 
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