Did you know that February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Awareness Month? Poorly controlled diabetes is related to a variety of eye complications that can impact vision, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract. This week, we’d like to alert you to some resources that can help you keep your eyes healthy or to cope if you are dealing with low vision.
The Web site of the National Eye Institute features a section on low vision, which includes a quiz that can help determine if you have low vision, frequently asked questions about the condition, testimonials from people living with low vision, and information on how to help a loved one who has low vision. The resources are also available in Spanish, and a listen function that reads the text is available for people with impaired vision.
-- Keep an eye on your vision! Learn about preventive steps and treatments for diabetic retinopathy from retinal specialist Dr. Charles Wykoff. >>
The American Federation for the Blind’s Web site catalogs assistive technology devices for people who are blind or visually impaired as well as listing services that are available for this community. The Web site also includes a blog, message boards, and information on living with vision loss. Text size, color, and font style and background color can all be changed to make reading more comfortable for those with reduced vision.
The Web site for Prevent Blindness America includes information about how the eye functions, how to protect your eyes from the sun and from injury, a glossary, and common eye myths. Text size can be adjusted for those with visual impairment.
DiabetesSelfManagement.com also features a section on eye health and vision, including one article covering tools and techniques for people with visual impairment. Other pieces explore topics such as how to avoid eye complications, what to eat for better vision and healthy eyes, and what to expect at an eye exam. Text size can be increased for people who have visual difficulties.
This blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell.
