ISLAMABAD, Oct 26: About four per cent of the population suffers from the problem of low vision, revealed a survey conducted by Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.
The problem is more prevalent among senior citizens, specially over 65 years and is not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. It interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
This eye defect can occur among children with cataracts and retinal hereditary problems. Low vision is caused by Age-Related Muscular Degeneration (ARMD), diabetic retinopathy and cataract.
The number of people with low vision was expected to grow with increase in life expectancy. Signs that indicate low vision are: trouble reading, cooking or sewing; lights does not seem as bright; trouble recognizing faces and crossing streets or reading signs.
People with low vision may experience physical and psychological changes that may affect their quality of life, inability to perform job-related functions leading to loss of job, income and self-esteem, it said.
The survey stated that one-third patients with visual impairments felt difficulty in performing their jobs or losing jobs because of it. People with low vision are at a greater risk of colliding and tripping over, the research said.
People with low vision need special care and that could help them read, write and manage daily chores. Use of contrasting colours on edges of steps, dark colour switches and electrical outlets on lighter walls. Motion detecting lights that automatically turn on entering a room are helpful. Telephones, clocks and watches with large numbers could help people see them.
Adjustable lighting, prescription reading glasses, large- print publications, magnifying devices, closed-circuit TV, electronic reading machines, talking books and computers with large print and speech output systems come handy for people with low vision.
Among the visual devices that could help people with low vision are reading glasses with high-powered lenses and reading prisms; telescopes and telescopic spectacles for tasks requiring vision at near, middle and far distances and reversed telescopes for visual field defects.