Steps to Overcome the Trials of Vision Loss and Keeping Hope
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center aware they have these underlying conditions . Preventive care is key for diagnosing and managing diseases that can be visually detrimental .”
Studies link the loss of vision with depression . This may seem inescapable , due to the loss of vision being tied to a less quality of life score , but there ’ s a brighter side and other things to consider . Key-Whitman Eye Center ’ s Plano eye doctor Sadaf Razi , O . D ., says it ’ s vital to shift your attitude and focus from pessimistic thinking to positive and suggests the below ardent steps people with vision loss can take to overcome challenges .
According to Dr . Razi , “ It ’ s natural to feel sad or get frustrated when vision loss is affecting activities of daily living . However , there are plenty of options available to slow the progression of eye disease and cope with vision loss , too .”
Dr . Razi encourages patients with risk factors for vision loss ( especially a family history of eye diseases such as glaucoma , macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease ), and those who have already having vision loss , to try the below steps :
1 . Stop vision loss from occurring in the first place . If you ’ ve heard it once , you ’ ve heard it a thousand times ; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure . The same holds true when it comes to diagnosing and treating eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss .
“ Many diseases , like glaucoma and macular degeneration are silent diseases , which can have a very strong effect ( permanent vision loss ) when they advance . Because symptoms don ’ t show up until these diseases progress , many people aren ’ t
2 . Maximize the vision you have left . Just because your vision loss is already noticeable , that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t maintain much of the vision you have remaining . According to Dr . Razi , “ Early intervention and prevention are key . For example , there are excellent , evidence-based nutritional supplements available to treat eye diseases like macular degeneration . And working closely with your eye doctor to manage your glaucoma with the appropriate combination of prescription eye drops , and being vigilant about complying with your treatment plan , can significantly slow the progression of the disease .” If cataracts are the problem , cataract surgery with high technology lens implants can typically restore or even improve your range of vision .
3 . Inform your primary care physician if you are experiencing depression . If you feel any sadness or depression symptoms due to vision loss , discuss this with your primary care physician . Loss of vision is one of the top ranked concerns expressed by Dr . Razi ’ s patients . This is especially true within the geriatric population who fear losing their independence .
“ We are very empathetic with our patients . If a patient is feeling down , we suggest he or she asks their primary care physician ( in conjunction with the patient ’ s insurance provider ) to refer them to a mental health professional in their network ,” Dr . Razi says .
4 . Make use of resources available through your city or senior center . There are a lot of great resources at your disposal , depending on where you live and the severity of your vision loss . Primary care physicians are generally informed on current services provided in their communities . As Dr . Razi explains , “ Most municipalities provide services to patients with low vision , such as rides to doctor ’ s appointments or help with grocery shopping or household chores . Many senior centers also offer services to assist geriatric patients with basic functions , especially as their eye diseases progress .”
20 DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016