OE Patients

Tag: low vision

  • This Year Take Care

    This Year Take Care

    Getting to 2022 was no easy feat, so congratulations. On October 2, 2021, I stood on the National Mall surrounding the Washington Monument, in Washington DC, and observed the 700,000 white flags placed in a perfect and seemingly endless formation. Each flag in memory of an American who died of COVID. The powerful sight of this installation ended the next day, but the deaths continued. As of January 19, 2022, deaths have risen to over 857,000.

     

    Image shows white flag memorial installation at Washington Monument on October 2, 2021.

    Image shows white flag memorial installation at Washington Monument on October 2, 2021.

    The installation named, “In America: Remember,” was also a powerful reminder of our collective survival. I could not help but think of that as I watched the other living visitors to the massive field of flags, paying respect. Perhaps the best way to celebrate the life we continue is to take care of it. So many aspects of our lives have been affected by the pandemic, whether we contracted the virus or not. Even the luckiest among us is likely to be dealing with some collateral damage. The year ahead is the right time to recognize your need for recovery and make self care a priority.

    Life, as we knew it, has been interrupted by the pandemic. In some ways it is strikingly similar to the disruption caused by vision loss. And to be fair, we must acknowledge, dealing with both is a heavy load. If you’re feeling burnt out and exhausted, that would actually make sense.

    We can take steps to improve on behaviors that may have suffered under the stress. Here are some thoughts and ideas that might help as you evaluate and recover from your own particular pandemic injury. Begin a new year by taking care.

     

    Help for Your Head.

    Mental health and emotional well-being are front and center as we re-acclimate and find our path forward. We must take care of self first, before we can take care of others. Read the OE article linked below for smart steps and stress relieving strategies to help our recovery.

    Prioritize Your Emotional Health

     

    Eating Well.

    If good eating habits faltered during the pandemic, now is the time to get back to nourishing yourself with healthy food choices. Be mindful about your consumption and remember it’s best to focus on mostly unprocessed foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish and some meats. Keep your plate colorful and predominantly plant-based. The foods that hold  age-related macular degeneration at bay, are based on the same Mediterranean diet that promotes heart health. 

    The Anti-AMD Diet

     

    Think Small.

    There’s no sense trying to counter overwhelming change with more overwhelming change, so Keep the corrections small, even tiny. In the OE article linked below I recommend the bite size approach to productivity, while utilizing the 1-minute rule, micro learning and exercise snacks.

    Small Changes are Big

     

    Exercise, Sleep, Learn, Connect.

    The same practices, behaviors and habits that keep your brain sharp are major players in your overall health and well-being. Exercise daily, keep learning, sleep well and stay socially connected — it is key to maintaining cognition. 

    6 Ways to Keep Your Mind Young

     

    Have Fun.

    Don’t underestimate the importance of fun, it feels good and it’s good for us. Prioritize the people and activities that are most likely to create playfulness, connection and flow in your life on a regular basis. Read more on this subject from Catherine Price in The New York Times.

    Why We All Need to Have More Fun

     

  • OE Patients Best Of 2021

    OE Patients Best Of 2021

     

    It’s that most wonderful time of the year, when we circle back and take a look at OE’s most popular posts from 2021. Move forward and discover an audio guide for baking, advice on utilizing peripheral vision and the power of small changes. The list includes our most read content on accessible technology and emotional well-being.  We want you to be inspired to develop a new skill or create a good habit for the fresh new year!

    If you’d prefer to have the text of pages read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

     

     

    Gia Pergolini shows gold medal triumph. Image Credit: Cady Studios
    Gia Pergolini shows gold medal triumph. Image Credit: Cady Studios

    Gia Pergolini is a Champion

    She is OE’s Person of the Year. At 17, Gia Pergolini is a world class, world record braking swimmer, and a gold medalist in the Tokyo Paralympics. She teaches us about strength and grace while living with vision loss.

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows plate of delicious freshly baked brownies.
    Image shows plate of delicious freshly baked brownies.

    Breaking Eggs Makes Baking Audible

    Take a delightful baking class with professional baker and former Great British Bake-Off contestant, Ruby Tandon. Both the experience and the results are delicious! It will maKe you wish more cookbooks were audible.

    Read Now 

     

     

    Woman practicing eccentric viewing.
    Woman practicing eccentric viewing.

    8 Ways to Practice Eccentric Viewing 

    Advanced macular degeneration leaves a blind spot in the center, eccentric viewing can help you learn to actually see around it, utilizing the unaffected peripheral sight. Here are some easy ways to practice and make it natural. 

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows: 2021 Happy New Year banner.
    Image shows: 2021 Happy New Year banner.

    This Year Small Changes Are Big

    Feeling overwhelmed by vision los, or the pandemic, try dealing with change in smaller, bite-size increments. Join us and explore ways to get things done in minutes instead of hours.  Breaking up monotony and boosting efficiency will help restore our sense of stability.

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows Hadley workshop image of iPhone in hand.
    Image shows Hadley workshop image of iPhone in hand.

    Meet Hadley 2.0, Your Private Tutor 

    Hadley is the vision loss resource everyone needs to know. A welcoming place to learn technology, access podcasts, attend workshops, join discussion groups and more. Log in to this user friendly environment online, or they’ll even mail the printed content to you. It’s unique and amazing!

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows: large screen with video meeting participants
    Image shows: large screen with video meeting participants

    Pandemic Silver Linings for Low Vision Patients 

    Well yes, we are so tired of talking about the pandemic, however, it cannot be denied, there were many interesting surprises in it for visually impaired people. 

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows Apple AirTag in case with holder.
    Image shows Apple AirTag in case with holder.

    Lost and Found with AirTags

    Once again, Apple has created a product that is inclusive and exclusive, all at once. It’s also good for your health, because it eliminates the anxiety that occurs when you can find keys, wallets, etc., as you’re leaving the house.

    Read Now

     

     

    Old friends playing chess
    Old friends playing chess

    Don’t Allow Vision Loss  to Affect Your Cognition 

    We like to say, “vision loss affects your eyes not your brain,” but that is not totally true. Here are the tips for avoiding cognitive issues and dementia related to low vision.

    Read Now

     

     

    Image shows serene woman relaxing with a cup of tea.
    Image shows serene woman relaxing with a cup of tea.

    Prioritize Your Emotional Health

     Mental health does not take care of itself, you must be an active participant. Here is the excellent advice of our health & well-being expert.

    Read Now

     

  • Get Accessible News at NFB-Newsline

    Get Accessible News at NFB-Newsline

     

    It would be completely reasonable to expect that reading the news on a mobile app should be more accessible than ever, for people with vision loss, but this is not actually the case. The navigation of your favorite newspaper still feels rather unrefined.  Whether reading with your eyes, or a speech feature, the pages may suddenly lurch back or forward, leaving you searching to find your place again.  Articles loaded with ads, and other links, chronically  disrupt your focus. Depending on the day, a mobile screen reader might just leap over an entire section of text or mispronounce a bunch of words. The images frequently are not labeled, instead providing long digital codes in place of descriptions. It all makes you wonder, why is award winning journalism so hard to read?

    The solution that may resolve many of these issues is NFB- Newsline.  A fee free news service offering audio content to anyone who is blind, has low vision or is print disabled. Subscribers are granted access to over 500 publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Time, Consumer Reports and hundreds more.  Select options for local news publications, emergency alerts and even local TV listings by provider.  There are many ways to get NEWSLINE, on an app, with Alexa on an Echo device, online or by email,  or dial in to listen on any phone. 

     

    Image shows young woman listening to the news on an iPhone.
    Image shows young woman listening to the news on an iPhone.

     

    iOS NEWSLINE MOBILE APP 

    Get the Apple iOS app, on the App Store, for use with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, all fully accessible with VoiceOver or Braille display.  The app has a free version of KNFB Reader Basic with functions that scan any printed text and read it aloud, on the go. 

     

    AMAZON ALEXA

    Hands free access via Alexa on any Echo product. Personalize settings and navigate to sections and articles using voice commands. 

    Visit Alexa instructions

    visit Alexa training video

    ONLINE & EMAIL

    Go to http://www.nfbnewslineonline.org/ to access or email full publications, sections or articles.

     

    DIAL IN BY PHONE

    NFB-NEWSLINe audio content can also be accessed by phone with the touch of buttons that enable reading and voice controls. 

    Visit NEWSLINE phone instructions

     

    There’s a lot available here, and it may seem overwhelming, so step back and take a breath. First sign up. Then decide how you want to access your news? Now follow the links for more info, or even better yet, call the wonderfully helpful information line for help getting set up and acclimated.

    Call NFB-NEWSLINE: 866-504-7300

     

    To sign up for Newsline call NFB or complete the application online. All subscribers to NLS Talking Books program are pre-approved. 

    Online Application

    Email: [email protected]

     

  • Take the VoiceOver Challenge

    Take the VoiceOver Challenge

    For people who are visually impaired, learning to use the iPhone’s gesture based screen reader, VoiceOver (VO), is challenging, to say the least. While working on a series of VO training tutorials, I was  reminded how steep the learning curve for this iPhone accessibility feature is. It will test your metal, for sure, but don’t be deterred by the difficulty, millions have learned to use the iOS screen reader with fluency, including me. It can be maddening and the urge to resist will recur.  I managed to learn, and to even teach others, so I can promise all beginners, the gain will well outweigh the pain. Stick with it, don’t give up!

    The size of a smartphone screen necessitates a screen reader for a much wider audience than a  larger screen computer or tablet. Although it may be initially a disquieting experience, the learning process is far less displeasing than not being able to navigate a smartphone at all. Having said that, I congratulate all users of VO on iPhone, and TalkBack on Android, for successfully flattening the curve.  These are skills that continue to develop and enrich our lives ongoing. Accessibility and inclusion are empowering. And let us not forget, every smartphone comes with many more low vision and blindness aids, in built-in features and apps, which are frankly, priceless.

    Although it is no piece of cake, the process of learning to navigate a touch screen with a unique set of gestures, absorbing the information with your ears, more than your eyes, will ultimately give back much more than it takes. Remember learning keeps your mind young, particularly complex activities that require practice for proficiency. 

     

     

    Image shows woman at work using iPhone with voiceOver.
    Image shows woman at work using iPhone with voiceOver.

     

    A Word About Typing

    Typing with VoiceOver on an iPhone keyboard requires practice. Many have mastered it and you will too. Practice typing by sending yourself text messages or emails. The default typing mode in VoiceOver is Standard Typing, which requires a double tap on each key, and it is the perfect practice mode. Put in the time and soon you’ll be advancing to Touch Typing, which requires only a single tap on each key. Siri and Dictation can circumvent, but not totally replace, the need for typing.

     

    4 Stages of the Learning Curve

    Understanding the stages of a learning curve can also fuel the belief that you will succeed, and this applies to all learning, particularly technology. 

    • Unconscious Incompetence

    You don’t know what you don’t know.

    • Conscious Incompetence

    You know what you don’t know and begin learning. 

    • Conscious Competence

    You’re learning but painfully aware of every step.

    • Unconscious Competence

    You have practiced to proficiency, the skills are now second nature.

    Go forth and conquer!

     

  • Don’t Allow Vision Loss to Affect Your Cognition

    Don’t Allow Vision Loss to Affect Your Cognition

    It is often said that vision loss affects your eyes, not your brain. We know many capable people who continued to thrive in their personal and professional lives despite the added challenges of severe vision impairment or blindness. We want to believe our brains will hold up against the  inevitable injury that occurs with a loss of sight. On the other hand, Jane Brody writes, “if the brain has to work extra hard to make sense of what our eyes see, it can take a toll on cognitive function.”

    The news was reported in the Personal Health column of the NY Times, based on findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The research followed 1,200 women and men, age 60 to 94,  and involved both vision and cognitive testing. Participants with ophthalmic issues including poor visual acuity, depth perception and low contrast, were also more likely to show cognitive decline over the course. The information is not exactly uplifting, but delivered in that quintessentially Jane Brody kind of way, it was bad news followed by good news. That’s right, there is something we can do about it. Like many other factors involving health and aging, this too is all about the steps we take to keep our brains fit. It very much depends on how we deal with it.

    Preventing cognitive decline related to vision loss is within our grasp. Vision loss that goes unaddressed often results in a decrease in physical and social activity, which adds to the decline in brain power. Here are steps recommended to maintain mental sharpness with changing eyesight and age:

    • Get annual eye exams, to identify problems early that can be corrected or addressed before they contribute to mental decline
    • Uncorrectable vision loss, or low vision, can be helped by vision rehabilitation, which includes evaluation, counseling and training that helps visually impaired people compensate and adjust
    • Don’t wait until a visual impairment begins to adversely impact daily function, start adjusting early
    • If the doctor says nothing can be done to medically treat the vision problem, that does not mean there is nothing you can do to improve your quality of life
    • Maintain a strong social connection to friends and family
    • Making adjustments in our home and work environment can significantly improve daily function, productivity and confidence

    Cognitive decline is an eye opener, bringing a new sense of urgency to coping with vision loss. Jane Brody’s message is one advanced by OE Patients everyday. Find more OE links below to more helpful content relating to this topic:

    In the Know About Low Vision

    10 Things to Know About iPhone for Vision

    Your Smartphone is a Comprehensive Low Vision Device

    OE Agrees with AAO

    Making Excuses, Breaking Excuses

    Nate’s Low Vision Makeover

    6 Ways to Keep Your Mind Young

  • Starbucks Focus on Accessibility

    Starbucks Focus on Accessibility

    There’s a lot to choose from at Starbucks, and for a person who is visually impaired, or blind, it can be a very tall order.  Browsing the menu, posted high above the barista, is simply out of reach.  We stick with the usual Caffe Latte, or Chai, because we have no idea a Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino even exists. If we want something to eat with our delicious beverage, that selection too will require a certain degree of sight. Identifying the sandwiches in a refrigeration case may be possible with low vision, but reading the label, to figure out what lies between the bread, will not be so easy. We wonder, are there any sous-vide egg white bites available today?

     

    Image shows hand holding a triumphant Frappuccino
    Image shows hand holding a triumphant Frappuccino

     

    Working around obstacles is something people who are visually impaired do everyday. Starbucks is working to minimized the challenges in their stores. To improve access to visual information, the   Seattle based coffee chain is offering several options to address accessibility issues and elevate inclusion.

     

    image shows logo for Aira app
    Image shows logo for Aira app

     

    Aira guest access is now available in all US Starbucks locations. Aira is a smartphone app (pronounced I-ra) that connects users to a live agent trained in reading and navigation assistance for people who have low vision or are blind.  The Aira service utilizes a combination of human and artificial intelligence, providing instant access to a sighted guide when you need it. The app will tell you when you’re in a sponsored location like Starbucks, Target, Bank of America, Walgreens and Wegmans, in which case the business is paying Aira to provide you, the customer, with visual assistance. The Aira agents will help you get around the store and tell you what’s on the menu, in the cases and on the counter. More about Aira

    In the US and Canada, Starbucks added a large print and braille menu, actually the braille is a textured overlay on top of the large print pages. It is the largest large print menu we’ve ever seen, weighing in at 30 pages. For people who don’t read large print or braille, the menu on Starbucks website and mobile app, with newly improved accessibility, are probably better options.

    The accessibility updates are linked to Starbucks new diversity and inclusion initiatives and company wide goals. The commitment is serious and there will be more attention paid to accessibility and the inclusive design of everything.

    Stop in and celebrate your freedom of choice with a Green Tea Frappuccino!
  • Lost and Found with AirTags

    Lost and Found with AirTags

    Who else but Apple can solve a problem for people who are visually impaired, with a beautiful balance of inclusivity and exclusivity. This product is good for everyone, because you don’t have to be visually impaired to misplace or loose essential items like keys, wallets and backpacks. Apple’s AirTag trackers might even be good for your health, minimizing the stress and self-loathing that occurs when an everyday personal necessity goes missing.

    The disk-like tag, just over an inch in diameter, is tracked by the Find My app, which also keeps tabs on your iPhone, iPad and AirPods.  AirTags are set up with a simple tap gesture, in much the same way AirPods are, and each tag can be identified with a name or description. Only your device can track your AirTags. The app will identify the tags exact location and you can play a sound on the tag through the app or by asking Siri to find an AirTag with a sound signal.  A lost AirTag can be scanned by any smartphone to bring up contact information. Apple is adding Separation Alerts, in iOS 15, so you’ll be informed, right away, if you leave a tag enabled item behind.

    Image shows selection of AirTag case key rings in blue, red and tan colors.
    Image shows selection of AirTag case key rings in blue, red and tan colors.

    Like all things Apple, AirTags at first glance carry a little sticker shock. The actual tag is $29 each, or get 4 for $99. AirTags do not attach to anything independently, thus they have spawned an entire industry of related accessories. You might drop an AirTag into a wallet or the pocket on a backpack, but most items including keys or travel bags require an AirTag case on a keyring, a luggage loop, or a case that will stick to a surface.  There are AirTag cases attached to a strap for your eyeglasses, or for the collar of your dog (although tracking pets and people is discouraged).  Accessories are typically priced in a range from $10 to 50. If price is not an object, take a look at the accessories designed by the iconic fashion brand Hermes, with prices topping out at  $699 for a luggage tag.

    More about AirTags at Apple

  • Prioritize Your Emotional Health

    Prioritize Your Emotional Health

    Emotional well-being is no longer the hidden stigma it once was.  As we slowly begin to put the pandemic in our past, the conversation and clear need for more and better mental health supports has been elevated to sweeping proportions, reaching across national headlines and newscasts, to workplace programs and consumer apps, right down to local school board meetings and community outreach events.  Perhaps, too, it has been a personal conversation in your own home or with your primary care provider.  Mental health and emotional well-being finally have a well-deserved seat at the dinner table. 

    What it means and how we interpret emotional well-being is as personal and diverse as the many names and notions it can go by: mental health or illness, persistent stress or worry, fatigue and mental fog, anxiety or depression, resiliency and recovery, hope, behavioral health, counseling or therapy, spiritual or religious healing, mindfulness and meditation, positive psychology, social connection, coping, focus and more.  

    Over the past year, we have endured numerous challenges and stressors in vastly different ways.  Loneliness, isolation, death, job loss, trauma, burnout, and drastically new routines in our everyday lives has severely affected our emotional well-being.  As society begins to reopen and we re-acclimate to a new normal, it’s a good time to reflect on our changed lives and path to healing.  The meaning of emotional well-being that resonates best with you is the best place to begin your self-care journey.  

    Image shows patient talking with primary care provider.

    Image shows patient talking with primary care provider.

    How are you coping?

    Finding a healthy practice to promote emotional well-being has many similarities to changing eating habits or starting a new exercise plan for physical health.  Your goals are as unique as you and demand some well-deserved thought.

    Prioritize yourself.  You cannot take care of others until you take care of yourself.  So, like the airline instructions, put on your safety mask first.   

    Write down your why.  Identify the reason(s) you want to make a change in your life.  Entering into a personal contract with yourself requires commitment.  Finding your motivation not only helps sustain movement toward your goal, but keeps you focused and gives you purpose.

    Take a few SMART steps to success.  

    • Specific: Create a personal mission statement by defining what you wish to achieve.
    • Measurable: Make your goal tangible by establishing markers or milestones of success to track your progress.
    • Achievable: Choose a goal that is doable. Avoid overcommitment.
    • Relevant: Align your goal with your personal values and long-term objectives. 
    • Time-bound: Set end dates to keep you on track and stay motivated.  Set short and long term goals.  Acknowledge that it takes time to reach goals worth working toward.

    Avoid personal pitfalls.  Identify the situations, people or places that cause stress, anxiety, or other harmful ruminations.  Do your best to set your goals in ways that avoid these known stressors.

    Seek professional support.  Recognizing when you need help is a strength.  Additional support or treatment from licensed professionals can propel you to your goals. Consider a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, therapist, and chaplain among others. 

    Image shows man in mediation at sunrise. 
    Image shows man in meditation at sunrise.

     Try relaxing more and stressing less.

    From aroma and art therapy to positive self-talk and yoga, there’s sure to be an effective stress reliever and relaxation technique that works best for you.  To help you get started, explore just a few of these options below.   

    • Guided meditation is a form of meditation and relaxed concentration that may provide mental, emotional, or physical healing.  Try it here 
    • Progressive muscle relaxation is a method of breathing and body control to help relieve physical tension.  Try it here 
    • Deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing is a stress management and relaxation technique.  Try it here
    • Relaxation or calming yoga is a gentle exercise that can help relieve stress and physical tension. Try it here

    Finding the best stress relief strategies may take some time and practice. But it’s important for your total well-being to keep your stress at a manageable level.  Remember the small things too, like hugging your loved ones, maintaining social connections, or even taking a walk outside.

    Be well!

    Image shows woman giving warm hug to loved one.
    Image shows woman giving warm hug to loved one.
  • NEI Study Shows AMD Vitamins Work

    NEI Study Shows AMD Vitamins Work

    If you are a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or you know someone who is affected, you may have wondered if daily supplements really help. Can a vitamin formula slow the progression of vision loss caused by AMD? The National Eye Institute (NEI) says Yes. Upon completion of a 10-year follow-on study, the NEI reaffirms its recommendation of the nutrient formula, known as AREDS2, confirming it continues to deliver positive results in slowing the progression of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced AMD. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of central vision loss in people over age 50. As the disease progresses it can seriously impair a person’s ability to read, recognize faces or drive. 

    The NEI has been looking at the effects of supplemental nutrients on AMD for 20 years now. The specific mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants originated in the 2001 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) which focused on a combination of antioxidants and zinc. In the second study, AREDS2, which was completed in 2012, the NEI tested changes to the formulation, including the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, substituting lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, and reducing zinc. The formulation included in the 2012 study is the AREDS2 formula this long-term study was based on.

    The formulation is the same combination found in PreserVision AREDS2 eye vitamins by Bausch & Lomb. which was provided to participants during the last 5-years of this study. The daily dose contains the recommended levels of all six clinically proven nutrients: vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400 IU/180mg), lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), zinc (80mg zinc oxide), and copper (2mg cupric oxide). The AMD nutrient formula can also be found in other brands including: I-Caps AREDS 2 (Alcon), Eyepex Macula (Eyepex Formulas) or MacularProtect Complete AREDS2.

    The AREDS2 vitamins are formulated exclusively for AMD patients with intermediate to advanced disease. Consult your doctor before taking these supplements. Keep in mind, vitamin supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition, your diet should be rich in all these nutrients to derive best results. Read about the incomparable benefits of a healthy fresh Mediterranean diet in The Anti-AMD Diet. And remember it’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, protect your eyes from the sun and do not smoke!

  • Re-entry Your Way

    Re-entry Your Way

    Vaccinations are a significant step in moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Although it is what we’ve been waiting for, the reopening of business and social activities, to full capacity, may not feel comfortable for a while. It’s okay to exercise your options and take smaller incremental steps, instead of throwing all caution to the wind.

    Adjusting and getting back a sense of normal are experiences people with vision loss know all too well, but that does not make this process any easier. It should remind us, however, that change always takes time and often leaves us temporarily feeling weird and awkward. Managing reentry, into social gatherings and public spaces may not be as glee-filled for everyone.  So go ahead, proceed at your own pace, do it your way.

    The rules and regulations of the 2020 pandemic were largely thrust upon us. Re-entry offers an opportunity to write the next chapter, individually recovering from this massive disruption, stronger, smarter, and happier.

    Be kind to yourself.

    Take it easy, now is the time to consciously reduce the stress load our brains have been carrying.  It’s okay to be selective and keep commitments light. Prioritize your mental health and physical well-being on a daily basis. Develop better nutrition and sleep habits. Showing yourself patience and grace strengthens your reserve for compassion to others.

    Two Image shows two vaccinated women enjoying coffee together, post pandemic restrictions.
    Two Image shows two vaccinated women enjoying coffee together, post-pandemic restrictions.

    Ease back in with small incremental steps.

    Begin by celebrating reentry with one close friend (or two, vaccinated of course)  in a social setting, then move on to more. Keep it small and outdoors, if that’s what makes you feel happy and secure. It may take some time to work up to larger gatherings.  Negotiate a phased-in return to the office and keep the conferences virtual for a time. Ease back into public transportation with a travel schedule that accommodates your comfort.  And take another look at OE’s 2021 theme article: This Year Small Changes are Big.

    Take time to appreciate.

    The simple act of recognizing and expressing thankfulness, each day, promotes happiness. Research shows the practice of gratitude fortifies our resolve, builds resilience, and improves overall mental health. Whether you write it, think it or share it, the more you do the better you get.

    Removing the mask.

    As this article is written, the CDC announces, it is safe for fully vaccinated people to stop wearing masks and they no longer need to maintain social distance, indoors or out. Masks will continue to be required when visiting medical offices, hospitals or long-term care facilities. The mask, unwelcome by some, provided others a real sense of safety. It won’t be easy for everyone to drop it overnight. Feel free to mask at your discretion, it is, after all, a sign of respect for the health of others.

    The next phase is your chapter to write. Think about reevaluating. Things are changing anyway, so take the time to consider which routines, behaviors and activities you want to improve. Think small — not epic.

  • 8 Ways to Practice Eccentric Viewing

    8 Ways to Practice Eccentric Viewing

    Macular diseases cause uncorrectable impairment of the central vision. In time, as the disease progresses, the patient’s ability to see what is in the direct line of sight becomes more and more tenuous.  At this point, the best way to see what has disappeared in the center of your visual field is simply to look away.  Now you will see it, not in the center, but in the peripheral vision. Also known as eccentric viewing (EV), this visual work-around can be easily practiced, and learned, to compensate for the scotoma or blind spot.

    Practice these exercises to maximize remaining peripheral sight:

    • Look at an object straight on, then avert your eyes left, right, up, down, and around. Find the spot where you see best in your peripheral field, known by professionals as the PRL – preferred retinal locus.  Move just your eyes, not your head.
    • Look into the silverware drawer and the utensils have no clear definition, look away and forks, knives, spoons become more apparent. Repeat this exercise in the medicine cabinet, desk drawer, and coat closet too.
    • Get into the habit of scanning left to right to see what’s in front when walking in the street. Avert your eyes to identify lights on crosswalks and be aware of the movement of traffic in your side vision.
    • Use your peripheral vision to identify signage at eye level, for example: restrooms, room numbers, office signs, doors in & out, etc.
    • When facing someone, glance away to better see their facial features in your peripheral field.
    • Try eccentric viewing while watching TV, close up, or at a distance.
    • Avert your eyes as you enter a room to get a better view of the layout, the furniture, and any obstacles in your path.
    • Experience more vivid color perception of clothing, home furnishings,  while taking a walk in nature or looking at a bouquet of flowers.

    Test your peripheral vision in all daily activities and discover where it helps most. Practice every day, learning requires repetition. In just a few days you will begin to develop the new habit, in a few weeks it will become second nature. For many macula patients adjusting the view eccentrically provides a significant boost to visual function. If it does not come with some ease, consult a Low Vision Rehab Therapist for specialized training.

  • Advancing AMD Awareness

    Advancing AMD Awareness

    Once upon a time, not so long ago, people believed that age-related macular degeneration caused total blindness. Today we know better. AMD affects people over age 50, resulting in a blurring of the sharp central vision used for reading, driving, identifying faces, and other detail oriented tasks. The peripheral vision is not affected and can be helpful in compensating. The dry form of AMD accounts for about 90% of cases, marked by slowly progressing changes. The remaining 10% have the wet form which causes more aggressive vision loss due to leaking blood vessels behind the eye. Treatment is available and effective in managing wet AMD.  Patients are able to continue a productive and independent life with the active implementation of small changes and the embrace of technology.

    Here is a collection of OE’s recent and most popular content on the subject, in recognition of AMD Awareness Month – February 2021.

    Closeup of elderly woman’s eye

    What Is AMD?

    An explanation of age-related macular degeneration, thorough and well presented for review as an informative introduction or to refresh your knowledge. Read Now

     

    Image of the logo for The Retina Counselor.
    Image of the logo for The Retina Counselor.

    Emerging Treatments For AMD

    A primer on clinical trials in the process for the next generation treatment and management of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration with an emphasis on more efficient and convenient patient care. Read Now

     

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.
    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    Episode 14: The Retina Counselor

    Listen in as Dr. Mrinali Gupta discusses the future of AMD treatments and how patients can best utilize the Retina Counselor report. Listen Now

     

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    The Anti-AMD Diet

    This is one of OE Patients most popular articles. Improving nutrition habits through small dietary changes has been found to prevent and slow the development of AMD. Read Now

     

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    Living Better With AMD

    Patients should be to be well informed that although there may be no medical treatments available yet, for their AMD, it most certainly does not mean “nothing can be done.” Read this article for five ways to take action. Read Now

     

    Dahlov Ipcar "Sunlight in Forest Glade" (unfinished, 2015)
    Dahlov Ipcar “Sunlight in Forest Glade” (unfinished, 2015)

    Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

    If you think AMD is a career-ending diagnosis for a visual artist, this article will change your thinking. These artists continued to thrive, despite vision loss, and you can too! Read Now

     

    Three generations of a family sitting on a park bench.

    Hope For Age-Related Macular Degeneration

    Progress with age-related macular degeneration shows a promising hope for the future. Read Here for what you need to know and what you can expect. Read Now