Three Things You Need to Know about Low Vision from Lighthouse Guild

A survey conducted by The Harris Poll reports that Americans fear losing their eyesight even more than other serious illnesses like cancer. Unfortunately, very few know what low vision is and how it could be prevented and addressed.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month highlighting the need to learn more about eye health and what to do to protect your vision. 

According to Dr. Laura Sperazza, Director of Low Vision Services at Lighthouse Guild, low vision is vision loss that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery.   

Three Things You Should Know

1. The three main causes of blindness in the United States are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye and can occur in one or both eyes. Age-related macular degeneration damages the retina. Diabetic eye diseases can cause severe vision loss in people who have diabetes, especially if the diabetes is not well managed.
2. You do not always experience symptoms before you lose vision to eye diseases. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease in their early stages.
3. The brain can adapt to vision loss and make it difficult to know if you are having vision issues. You may be losing vision and not even realize it until it is too late. A regular comprehensive eye exam can detect issues and help preserve your vision.

“For all disorders that can cause low vision, early detection is key,” says Dr. Sperazza. “The good news is that new technologies and rehabilitation can make life easier and more fulfilling for people with low vision.”

Help Raise Awareness
In recognition of Low Vision Awareness Month, Lighthouse Guild is partnering with National Eye Institute and other vision organizations to encourage people to share their inspirational stories about living with low vision.

Starting Monday, February 17, join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #LowVisionLeaders!

About Lighthouse GuildGuild
Lighthouse Guild is the leading organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. We provide coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation and behavioral health as well as related services directed at prevention, early detection and intervention of vision disorders. Reducing the burdens of vision loss is the cornerstone of what we do. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org.

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