Programs and Services
Information and Referral
Information on Blindness
THE LEADING CAUSES OF VISION LOSS AND BLINDNESS
It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000,000 people in the United States with some degree of vision loss. Approximately 2,000,000 of these individuals are considered to be legally blind, but only about 450,000 are considered totally blind. Approximately 53,000 children are visually impaired or blind.
As one can see from the prevalence shown above, most vision loss occurs in adulthood. Statistically, 1 out of 6 adults over the age of 65 will be affected by some form of visual impairment. The leading causes of adult vision loss include the following:
Diabetic Retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults under age 60, is due to complications of long-term diabetes. Retinopathy is an abnormal growth of fragile blood vessels, which rupture and cause hemorrhaging in the eye. This hemorrhaging can lead to partial or total retinal detachment, blind spots, or loss of sight due to accumulation of blood inside the eyeball.
Macular Degeneration is the deterioration of the macula, or central retina, of the eye. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in adults over age 60. There are two types, wet and dry, both types leading to loss of central vision. As the macula deteriorates, the individual develops a central blind spot, loosing detail vision and color perception. The peripheral vision is not affected and will allow the individual to see large shapes, movement, and some colors. While macular degeneration causes significant acuity loss, it does NOT lead to total blindness.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye and represents the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States. Continued elevated pressure damages the retina causing progressive tunnel vision, and eventually, total blindness. Glaucoma testing is a standard part of an eye exam and should be done at least once a year. If caught early, treatment is available. People of African-American heritage are at higher risk for glaucoma.
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye often occurring in older adults. This clouding prevents light from reaching the retina of the eye, causing a dimming of vision and loss of acuity. Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens, and replaces it with an intraocular contact lens. Cataract surgery is usually highly successful and often done on an outpatient basis.
Vision loss can also be present at birth or occur in early childhood. The leading causes of pediatric vision loss include:
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), formerly called retrolental fibroplasia, is the destructive retinal changes that can occur when prolonged life-sustaining oxygen therapy is given to premature infants. Abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye, break, and cause hemorrhages leading to retinal detachment and scarring. Most people with ROP have profound vision loss, often total blindness.
Retinobalstoma is cancer of the retina and is a hereditary condition usually present in both eyes. Surgical removal of the eye is the most effective treatment option. If left untreated, the tumor travels up the optic nerve to the brain, causing death.
Congenital glaucoma affects the eye in the same way as adult onset glaucoma and is sometimes present with other ocular conditions.
Congenital cataract can be hereditary or caused by a wide range of factors such as in utero exposure to rubella. Many factors can affect successful medical treatment of congenital cataract.
THE DIFFERENT
DISCIPLINES IN THE EYE CARE FIELDAn OPHTHALMOLOGIST is a medical doctor who is specialized in the care and treatment of eye conditions and who is licensed to perform medical procedures and surgeries as needed.
An OPTOMETRIST(Doctor of Optometry ODs) is the primary health care professional for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
A LOW VISION SPECIALIST is a licensed Doctor of Optometry or Ophthalmology, who is skilled in the examination, treatment, and management of patients with visual impairments not fully treatable by medical, surgical, or conventional eyewear or contact lenses. A low vision specialist can best determine the need and appropriateness for magnification products such as hand-held magnifiers, monoculars, telescopes, closed-circuit televisions, and other low vision devices.
A PHYSICAL THERAPIST uses rehabilitative treatment by mechanical means (such as massage, regulated exercise, or water, light, electric, or heat therapy) to restore function to maximum levels.
An OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST uses rehabilitative techniques to work with muscle groups to rebuild tissue damaged through an accident, injury, or disease. Occupational therapists often work with more refined skills and discreet motor function than in physical therapy. Occupational therapy often uses fine motor skills to accomplish rehabilitation by using techniques such as stringing beads, painting, arranging objects in defined patterns, or threading a needle. The goal of this therapy is to have the individual do as much as possible with the eye using small assistive items until they are no longer needed.
A BLINDNESS REHABILITATION THERAPIST works with individuals whose vision is permanently impaired. The teacher's job is to help identify areas of struggle, using a variety of techniques to work with and around the disability to regain as much function as possible. Skills are taught through learning adaptive kitchen, homemaking, and other daily living skills. Once mastered, training is expanded to traveling outside the home with the aid of a white cane.
Programs & Services - For Those With New Vision Loss - Low Vision Devices & Tools for Daily Living - Guild Briefs - Scholarships - Passionate Focus Art Exhibit - Program Partners - Donor Opportunities - Calendar of Events