Terminology
These are the different terms used for stages of visual impairment.
- Severely Sight Impaired (SSI) previously Blind
- Sight Impaired (SI) previously Partially Sighted
- Registered Severely Sight Impaired or Sight Impaired
- Low Vision
The following information is intended to give:
- Provide a general understanding of visual impairment and eye conditions.
- Awareness of the impact of visual loss on daily life.
- Understanding the practical solutions to some of the issues that come with a visual impairment.
- Promote best practice in interacting with someone with visual impairment.
Vision and Age
- As we get older our sight deteriorates in one way or another.
- Many of us will require a reading prescription when we reach our 40’s.
- Many eye diseases are a result of ageing, and in particular macular degeneration is directly linked to age.
- Other conditions that can appear in later life are Glaucoma, Cataract and Diabetic Retinopathy.
Eye Conditions
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Nystagmus
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Cataracts
- Neurological Vision Loss
Macular Degeneration
- Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of sight loss in our ageing population.
- Your Macula is responsible for your central vision and fine detail.
- This is an example of central field loss, causing problems with face recognition and reading among other symptoms.
Glaucoma
- Glaucoma is a condition which affects the optic nerve.
- Most common form is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG).
- Damage to the optic nerve results in field loss and early stage field loss is pictured here.
- Early diagnosis and careful monitoring can help prevent further deterioration.
- Condition is lifelong and irreversible, but treatment is very effective.
Diabetic Retinopathy
- Complication of diabetes
- High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina
- Can be treated with laser, which may damage your vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Hereditary eye disease affecting the retina
- Very restricted field of vision
- Night blindness
- Can lead to total Blindness
Cataract
- Ageing of the lens in the eye resulting in cloudiness.
- Can be age-related, congenital or as a result of trauma.
- Affects visual acuity, like looking through a net curtain.
- Usually treated successfully with surgery, by replacing the lens.
Reduced Visual Acuity
- Here is an everyday object seen from different perspectives with different degrees of visual acuity.
- Notice how colour and contrast is important in deciphering the nature of the object.
Neurological Vision Loss
- Umbrella term for numerous eye conditions.
- These conditions often go unnoticed.
- Most common is Homonymous Hemianopia, as a result of a stroke.
- Neurological visual impairments often involve the loss of central vision, one side of the visual field, or a loss of the entire visual field.
Homonymous Hemianopia
Visual Strategies
- Bigger: Magnify or move closer.
- Bolder: Increase font size, use contrast.
- Brighter: Make it brighter, use colour.
- Maximising existing vision by using scanning techniques if you have a field loss.
- Putting strategies in place for reading e.g. eccentric viewing and magnifiers/aids.
Use of Contrast
This is an example of good contrast, allowing the cup to stand out on the black background.
What aids are available?
- Talking/audible devices –clock, radio, newspapers, books, Liquid level indicator etc
- Tactile devices –Bump ons, Writing Frame, Braille, signature guide etc.
- Magnifiers, traditional and electronic.
- High tech solutions: Computer Programmes, Video Magnifier, Apps and tablets.
Factors which may affect Mobility in both familiar and unfamiliar environments
- Reflected light and glare.
- Changing light conditions/weather.
- Audible crossing points/tactile information.
- Contrast and design/highlighting edges of steps etc.
- Eye condition and functional vision.
Emotional Impact
- Has there been a sudden sight loss?
- Experiencing the grief process as long as their sight continues to deteriorate.
- The person may become socially isolated, no longer being able to do the things they loved to do.
- Losing their driving licence. This can feel like the person has lost their independence.
- May need counselling if struggling to come to terms with their sight loss.
Communication
- Always let someone know that you are there by introducing yourself.
- Do not be afraid to use everyday terminology e.g. ‘watch’ the television.
- If you have to guide them ask them to take your arm, do not push them from behind.
- If you offer someone a seat help them to locate it with their hand and describe it. Do not push them backwards into a chair.
- Do not leave a blind person in space. If you are guiding them make sure that you say ‘goodbye’.
- You may need to describe goods and services available.
- Describe food on plate using clock face method.
For further information about visual impairment, please contact seescape on 01592 644979 or email:info@seescpe.org.uk