Frequently Asked Questions
Legal blindness is typically defined as visual acuity of less than 20/200 in the best eye with the best correction (glasses or contact lenses) or a visual field of less than 20 degrees. Fewer than 10% of people in this group are totally blind. Who gets to use a white cane? Only “the blind” are permitted by law to carry a white cane in Minnesota. For purposes of cane travel, this includes anyone who is legally blind (not just people who are totally blind). What are some common danger signs of failing vision?
How often should I have my eyes checked? Older adults should have an eye examination every 1 to 2 years, unless an eye specialist recommends more frequent checks. Are reading or watching TV harmful to my eyes? No. Our eyes benefit from being used. If eyes feel “tired” or “strained” they should be rested, but normal activity won’t harm vision. When do I have to stop driving because of my vision? Minnesota law is very clear about the vision requirements for driving. A driver’s license is cancelled if the driver has visual acuity of 20/100 or less with correction, or if the person is known to be receiving assistance for the blind. The safety of the driver, the passengers, and others on the road is the primary consideration. Are people with vision loss entitled to any special services? Yes! Our taxes and the fees we pay to many companies help support a number of special services for people with vision impairment. Among these are:
Why can’t I pet a seeing eye dog? Guide dogs work very hard to guide their users where they need to go. Any distraction can result in the dog losing its concentration and potentially putting the person being guided in an unsafe situation. Even when a guide dog is at rest, you should never pet it without the owner’s permission. What are the most common eye problems in older people? In the U.S., the most common eye diseases among seniors are macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Where can I buy a big magnifier that will enlarge a whole page at a time? Although this is what many people would like, there really is no such thing. Whole page magnifiers tend to be less than 2X magnification, and often present a blurry image. Unfortunately, the stronger a magnifier is, the smaller it is. What’s the reading machine I see other people using? (My friend calls it her “eye machine.”) This is a closed circuit TV (CCTV) reading system, which magnifies using a powerful camera lens. The magnified material is shown on a screen similar to a television. CCTV machines can be found in many public libraries and senior centers. They are also available for purchase. CCTVs are useful for reading mail, magazines and books. Can vitamin supplements really help improve my vision? Recent research is promising, but not final. The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) concluded that high doses of antioxidant vitamins and zinc can have a positive effect on the progression of age-related macular degeneration, but not on other eye diseases. Check with your doctor before trying any commercial supplements or major dietary changes. Your individual health conditions should be assessed first. What about the eye exercise programs I see advertised on TV? Can they really improve my vision? So far no standard scientific testing has been done in the U.S. on eye exercise programs. While some buyers report improvements in their vision after following the programs, there aren't any independent test results yet that can give a reliable answer. Always check with your doctor before considering any change in your vision treatment. For Family and Friends: How can I help? There are practical suggestions for family and friends in this website's section on “For Friends and Family.” These are guidelines for greater interaction and better understanding among people who are sighted and those with vision loss. Remember that everyone is a unique individual, and that eye conditions vary from person to person. The guidelines may need to be adapted to suit the particular abilities, preferences and needs of the person with vision loss. What’s the best way for a sighted person to walk with a visually impaired person? “Sighted guide technique” is a safe, pleasant and comfortable way to walk with a sighted companion. It’s described in “For Friends and Family.” Parts of this section are adapted with permission from Living With Vision Loss , a publication of Vision Loss Resources, Minneapolis MN, and from the Vision Loss Resources website. |