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CNMI Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation "Together we can build a future" |
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FAQ about eyesight by people 55 years and over..
One of the most precious of all human senses is our sight. Our eyes, therefore, are highly prized and any threat to them arouses great concern. Few people are knowledgeable about their own eyes and those ailments which might limit vision. They are equally unaware of the help that is available to deal with problems if they should occur. The following information is intended to be interesting, reassuring, and helpful. It is addressed to people who are 55 years and over in the hope that it will provide the background information to eliminate unnecessary fears and misconceptions surrounding visual loss.
Will my eyesight fail as I get older?
Not necessarily. Most people retain good vision in their later years. Unless you presently have vision problems or there is a family history of eye ailments, you can be optimistic about the future.
Are reading and watching TV bad for the eyes?
Not at all. Our eyes are meant to be used. Like other organs of the body, they benefit from exercise. Should our eyes become tired or "strained," they can be refreshed with a rest.
How often should I have my eyes examined?
Every two years, at least. If you have not had a checkup within the past 24 months, we recommend one soon.
What Are Some Common Signs Of Failing Vision?
Unlike other physical ailments, people seldom feel pain with eye disorders. Problems develop gradually, and may go for months, even for years, unnoticed. Here are some signals to watch for:
What Are The Most Common Eye Diseases For Older People?
Glaucoma
Increased pressure within the eye as a result of various possible defects in the normal drainage system can lead to the disease known as glaucoma or "tunnel vision." This condition may be described as "looking at the world through a straw." People with "tunnel vision" must turn the head from side to side to avoid bumping into things or to see food on the edges of the plate since such vision is confined to objects directly ahead. The disease also affects a person's vision in dim light and results in "night blindness." Glaucoma usually causes little discomfort. A person may experience a vague ache, watery eyes, or halos around objects. Glaucoma is "the painless thief of sight." Fortunately, glaucoma is easily detected by an eye doctor. If diagnosed early, it can be controlled with special eye drops. Glaucoma patients who remain faithful to treatment may continue to enjoy useful vision as long as they live.
Macular Degeneration
This is a disease in which the central area of the retina known as the macula degenerates. It is an occasional complication associated with the aging process in some individuals. The macula is that part of the retina which achieves the sharpest focus. The peripheral or side vision which remains does not normally reveal fine detail and the central vision is deeply blurred by this disease.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This disease is one of the complications caused by diabetes which is a leading cause of blindness. Only a small percentage of diabetics are affected and those who reach this stage are mostly juvenile diabetics. Juvenile diabetics are those who have had diabetes from early childhood rather than those who have become diabetic later in life. The disease is unpredictable because the level of vision may change from day to day. The ability to see fades and sharpens irregularly, thus baffling the individual and his or her family and friends.
Cataract
A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye is called a cataract. With a cataract, vision becomes blurred or dim. The development of cataracts is usually related to aging, much as graying of hair or wrinkling of skin, but not all cataracts progress to any significant level. Many stabilize, never requiring surgery. In advanced cases, the defective lens is removed in one of the simplest and most successful medical operations. Recovery of good vision can be expected if there are no other complications present. Lens implants, which are almost universally used today, offer the best hope for improved vision after cataract surgery.
What Is Meant By "Legally Blind?"
Generally speaking, a person is said to be legally blind when the best possible eyeglasses no longer can restore vision in the better eye to a defined functioning level.
Does Being Declared Legally Blind Mean That Eventually One Will Become Totally Blind? Not necessarily. Very few people who are legally blind ever lose all vision. As a matter of fact, most people retain a surprising degree of partial sight, which is one of the reasons that many who are legally blind do not realize that they need the help that is available to them.
Can One Tell By Looking If Someone Is Legally Blind? Usually not. There are very few instances where there are any outward signs in the eyes.
Why Do Some People Resist Being Identified As Legally Blind?
Some resist out of pride: they don't wish to be considered "blind!" They may fear becoming helpless and dependent if they admit to being legally blind. Others feel it is unnecessary as they still retain some functionable vision. All of these reactions make it difficult for people to accept the help that is available to them.
What Programs Are Available To The Legally Blind?
There are services provided by a limited number of programs and/or agencies in the CNMI that are designed to help a person with limited vision enjoy more independent life. Programs such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, Medicare, and Aging are custom-tailored to individual needs. Services can range from talking watches or talking books to instruction for pursuing a more independent life style. Services will be provided based on the needs, abilities, and desires of the individual involved.
Adapted with permission from the Massachusetts Commission of the Blind Handbook, 11-1-2000.