OE Patients

Tag: macular degeneration

  • Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

    Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

    You might think the work of an artist who is losing sight would come to a tragic end. Think again.

    “The Persistence of Vision”, an exhibition at the University of Cincinnati, is meant to change that perception. The collection highlights the works of 8 artists, before and during the progression of their vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.   

    Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness among people over age 65. It depletes the central vision and impairs the ability to differentiate color and detail. The peripheral vision usually remains and can be used in some ways to compensate for the loss in central.

    The process of adapting included strategizing, experimenting and improvising. Many took on a less intricate, more abstract style and all showed changes in their use of color. One artist discovered a great sense of freedom in a new less precise, more relaxed technique.  Some went from drawing to painting, others ventured from painting to drawing. In most cases, the lines became blurred but still beautiful.  In their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, they all continued creating exquisite work.

    Beyond the obvious commonalities, the 8 artists possess a strong desire and willingness to find new ways of compensating their partial loss of sight. The subject matter is specific, but the overriding theme is universal and can be applied to all work. This is actually about the art of adjusting.

    “The Persistence of Vision” is at The Philip M. Meyers, Jr. Memorial Gallery at the University of Cincinnati, through July 29, 2018. It is part of the Vision and Art Project funded by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

     

    For more on The Vision and Art Project exhibition, Click Here

    For more on this in the NY Times, “Artists Who Lose Their Vision, Then See Clearly,” Click Here

     

    Image Credit: Dahlov Ipcar “Sunlight in Forest Glade” (unfinished, 2015) at The DAAP Galleries: Philip M. Meyers Jr. Memorial Gallery.

  • Doctor, Am I Going Blind?

    Doctor, Am I Going Blind?

    To the question, “Am I going blind?,” the answer is most often, “No.”

    For the great majority of patients diagnosed with disease-causing progressive vision loss, use of the word “blindness” actually does not apply.  Fortunately, most patients treated for degenerative diseases retain some degree of visual function.

    While the amount varies (dependent on disease type, severity, persistence, and progression), it is far more accurate to describe most cases as visual impairments and not as blindness.

    Obviously, total loss of light perception is the ultimate fear.  Ophthalmologists must be extremely careful in their discussions with patients to address this fear.  While some diseases are severe, most can be limited.

    Macular Degeneration

    A frightening diagnosis always, and is the most common ocular disease in older age.  Some forms are genetically inherited and present in adolescents, teens, and much younger adults.  Although often described as the “leading cause of blindness in people over 65,” it is highly unlikely and extremely rare that it results in loss of light perception or blindness.  Macular degeneration generally affects the central vision, leaving peripheral intact.

    Progression of the disease is slow in most cases and can be well compensated.  Patients are able to continue their full and productive lives, making some adjustments and utilizing magnification and speech in widely available accessible technologies.  A strong mental approach coupled with a willingness to learn, are proven factors in maximizing remaining vision and enjoying life.

    Diabetic Retinopathy

    Diabetes-related eye disease is another common malady often associated with the reduction in normal sight.  While historically unrelenting, attention to medical and ocular problems early in the course of diabetes have completely altered the potential for devastating visual loss.  With current and updated treatments, visual loss can be prevented or at least limited.  Often, patient cooperation and participation in treatment is the key to success for diabetics.

    Glaucoma

    Primarily a disease of superficial retinal loss associated with elevated pressure within the globe of the eye.  The earliest patterns of visual loss from glaucoma are peripheral, not central, so a reduction of visual field can go relatively undetected by the patient.  As the disease progresses, more of the peripheral field is lost, followed finally by the loss of the central areas.

    Fortunately, with treatment and early recognition by a qualified professional, visual loss can be prevented or limited.

    Legal Blindness

    Many have heard the term “legal blindness” and automatically interpret it to mean “blindness.” Legal blindness is a government definition or statute utilized to determine qualification for disability benefits.  The definition requires 20/200 vision or worse in the best eye with correction in place or visual field limitation to 20 degrees in diameter.  The condition causing the vision loss must be present or expected to be present, for one year or more.

    Legal blindness does not mean “no vision” and many people with this degree of vision loss live very full visual lives, albeit with a significant visual impairment.  On the other hand, “blindness” is usually understood to mean “no visual perception”.

    Clarification of the language associated with vision loss is critical, especially for those on the receiving end of these difficult words.  Speak with your ophthalmologist.  Make sure you understand your visual status and to what degree it is likely to change over time.  Most of the time vision can be preserved and loss can be limited.