GUIDE FOR CAUSES OF EYE DISORDERS
Understanding vision loss can be a challenge. For adults diagnosed with a visual impairment, there are many and varied resources available, including some that may open new doors to learning for people with vision disorders.
Here is a thumbnail guide to the causes of common eye disorders; rehabilitation services for persons with vision loss; and assistive technology that is available. This information has been gathered by the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
Common Ocular Disorders
One of the most common eye disorders is cataracts. With cataracts there is a loss of clarity caused by structural changes and abnormal binding of lens proteins. While cataracts are often seen in the aging population, cataracts also are seen in infants and children. The lens that is damaged can be surgically replaced with a plastic lens, similar to a contact lens. Glasses may be worn to restore lost visual acuity.
Another disorder is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a loss of vision due to blood vessels of the eye leaking. Diabetic retinopathy is usually seen in person who have had diabetes for an extended period of time. Surgical procedures may be to limit the vascular supply, thus preventing the formation of new and fragile blood vessels. Many persons exhibit a condition called dry eyes. This is an inadequate tear film due to any of the tear components being deficient. This condition is often treated with eye drops. This condition can also be treated by making tears linger on the surface of the eye by blocking its draining canals.
Glaucoma is a condition that is frequently diagnosed. Glaucoma is a pressure imbalance causing damage to the retina and its nerve fibers. Many times glaucoma is controlled with eye drops, pills, and/or surgery.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness. It is usually associated with aging, however there are hereditary forms that affect younger persons. Its exact cause is unknown, but UV light, reduced biological vitality from aging, and metabolic defects contribute. While there is no cure, macular degeneration patients with bleeding blood vessels can be treated with laser surgery, which slows the formation of blood vessels.
Retinitis pigmentosa creates a decreased visual field. Retinitis pementosa, sometimes referred to a "RP" is the leading cause of legal blindness. RP is usually associated with other systemic disorders. At the present time, there is no cure or effective treatment for RP.
Rehabilitation for Visually Impaired Individuals
Rehabilitation is a systematic approach, using a variety of services and programs, to enable children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. The administering of the rehabilitation program differs from state to state. However, every state has a mandated responsibility to provide rehabilitation service to its children and adults with disabilities.
The extent of services that are provided depends upon the specific need of the individual. In order to receive rehabilitation services, the individual must have a diagnosed physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment. Individuals that are served for rehabilitation purposes must also show that due to the severity of the disability should receive rehabilitation services.
Rehabilitation service programs serve in an advocacy role for persons with disabilities. One of rehabilitation's main goals is to strive for a higher quality of life for all persons with disabilities. Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired
Assistive technology enables blind and visually impaired persons to be more independent on their job and in their home. Assistive technology includes any equipment or products that improves a person's ability to function. There are an array of devices available for both individuals who are blind or considered legally blind. A term that is used frequently to describe persons who are legally blind is "low-vision."
Products for blind persons usually feature voice output or tactile displays. Persons with low-vision often benefit from colorful or large print displays. Most items that are used daily have been adapted for use by blind people. Cookware such as fryers, microwave ovens and broilers use adaptations such as Braille, tactile displays, time cooking mechanisms. Medical devices such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and blood glucose monitors all use voice output technology.
Computer software has also made use of voice output technology. Software programs that provide voice output for the on-screen computer display are called screen readers. Some screen readers can read Windows '95 enabling blind persons to utilize the current technology, just as sighted people do. Screen readers also give blind people the ability to read printed documents. By using a scanner and scanning software programs, blind people can gain access to printed material.
Another software program that allows a blind person to have more access to printed materials is Braille translation software. This software converts printed materials to Braille and Braille to regular print. Print documents can be created, scanned, or imported and converted to Braille. The Braille document can be printed by using a Braille printer called a Braille Embosser.
Some of the newest products are small hand-held devices that give voice recognition information, such as a device that gives voice output of color information at the touch of a button. There are also devices that can distinguish the denomination of money.
Most of the products that have been developed for people who have low vision involve enlargement or magnification. Products such as cookware, games, and medical devices have been adapted for people who have low vision. With a growing elderly population, many more people seem to be aware that low vision adaptations are needed. Bibles and bestsellers can now be found in large print.
Microsoft's Windows '95 allows users to enlarge the screen display as well as change color contrast, and font style. If the Windows'95 enlargement is not enough then the screen enlargement program, ZoomText, can be used to double the magnification. Some features of ZoomText include colorful pointers, automatic scrolling, magnification windows, and a target test feature. ZoomText also allows the user to change the background to black with white characters. Many people who have low vision find this contrast combination is easier to see.
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Editors: Feel free to contact these sources from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind: Isaac Beavers, case manager; Monita Hara, Regional Center Director; or Larcence Turk, case manager. They supplied the information and can speak on the topics. Monita Hara and Larcene Turk are at 205-328-3989; and Turk can be reached at 256-539-7881.
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