Macular Hole: What is it?

Photo of macular hole

The macula is the central part of the retina, a thin membrane that lines the back wall of the eye. The macula is responsible for your distance, color, and reading vision. The very central part of the macula is called the fovea, which is the location responsible for detailed vision. This is the region that is affected by macular […]

Drive Safe: Guidance for Older Adults and Drivers with Low Vision

Person wearing eyeglasses drives a car

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 […]

Illuminate Your Independence: Low Vision Lighting & Glare Control 

Window seat allowing ample sunlight to enter the room

If you live with low vision, you understand that proper lighting isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Surprising to many, simply adjusting your light sources can dramatically enhance your ability to read, write, cook, manage household tasks, and engage in daily life with greater independence. This article focuses on maximizing light quality, minimizing glare, and […]

Protect Your Independence: Create a Fall Prevention Plan  

sign reading “Caution: Ice: Watch Your Step”

by Audrey Demmitt, RN, VisionAware Peer Advisor My vision loss has caused me to fall many times in the past. As I get older, this concerns me because I realize the potential for serious injuries. So, I decided to attend a workshop on Fall Prevention. Below are some highlights of what I learned.  Falls Are […]

Best Low Vision Aids: Magnifiers, Telescopes, and Electronic Devices 

Person using a handheld magnifier

Low vision optical devices are specialized low vision aids that significantly enhance vision for people with uncorrectable vision loss. These aids fall into two main categories: traditional optical devices and electronic magnifiers.  Traditional optical devices, which include powerful handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, strong magnifying reading glasses, and small telescopes, feature vastly increased magnification power, stronger […]