Author Archives: Katie Frederick

Diabetes mellitus (usually referred to as diabetes) is a chronic carbohydrate metabolism disorder resulting from inadequate production or utilization of the hormone insulin. When a person has diabetes, their pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin or their body cannot use it effectively. Diabetes is an illness that makes it hard for your body to use […]

If you’re experiencing blurry vision, glare, or difficulty seeing clearly, you might be wondering about cataracts. I can relate. I’ve navigated the world with less-than-perfect eyesight since first grade, a delightful experience marked by those thick ’70s and ’80s glasses that magnified my eyes. My mom also had lifelong vision issues, so perhaps it was […]

Vision loss resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) dates back to the dawn of human conflict. Since the brain dedicates an extensive network of tissues and pathways to processing sight, an injury to the head risks can cause serious, lasting visual impairment. For veterans and active-duty service members, understanding this complex injury and knowing […]

Driving is an incredibly complex, everyday task that demands sharp visual, cognitive (thinking, judgment, reasoning, remembering), and physical skills. Older adults must constantly attend to a rapidly changing environment outside the car, reacting quickly to unexpected events—like a pedestrian suddenly crossing, another vehicle’s unexpected stop or turn, or an animal darting into the street. Maintaining […]

For individuals living with vision loss, non-optical low-vision devices are fundamental tools that significantly enhance the ability to perform everyday tasks. These specialized adaptations—including lighting, reading stands, and absorptive sunglasses—do not magnify an image but instead work to maximize the effective use of your remaining vision. Prescribed as part of a comprehensive low vision examination, […]