Tag: vision loss

Inspiring Stories of People Thriving With Vision Loss

We love to share stories of people succeeding with vision loss, at every age and stage of life. It reminds us all that there is no limit to what is possible. Each story has the power to inspire so many more to find the potential in perseverance. Read on to meet the artists, athletes, writers, filmmaker, judge and restaurateur who have flourished. There is a common thread that runs through these stories, vision lost and perspective gained.

Rachel Christian says working remotely is a game changer for people with vision loss.

Rachel Christian, Journalist

Rachel, a personal finance writer who is legally blind from cone dystrophy, finds working from home is profoundly empowering. She has control of her work environment, does not feel self-conscious around coworkers and she does not have to deal with the transportation hurdles inherent for visually impaired commuters. It’s a game changer.

Here’s Why Working From Home Works for Rachel

Issac Lidsky, Author

Most of his sight was lost, by the age of 25, to retinitis pigmentosa. In the process he discovered that fear can be much more debilitating than vision loss. In his memoir, Eyes Wide Open, he discovered blindness could be overcome by letting go of overarching anxiety and inhibitions. Isaac says, “I’ve gained vision by losing my sight.”

More on Issac’s Enlightenment in “Don’t Be Blinded By Fear”

Alexandra Joy Crocco, Photographer

She has a white cane in one hand and a camera in the other, which can be a confusing sight, but that just goes to show you can have an eye for photography without having good eyesight. Alexandra’s multiple vision problems are caused by albinism, and although she can’t see a lot of detail she has proven her ability to capture the special moments her clients treasure.

Here’s how Alexandra Achieves Career Milestone

Lynda Lambert wearing her jewelry design.

Lynda McKinney Lambert, Artist

A retired professor of fine arts and humanities has not let vision loss stop her from creating award winning art. Her vision loss resulting from ischemic optic neuropathy precipitated a new life, that for her had to remain centered in art.

Read Lynda’s story, Creative Vision: Blind Artist Earns Another Award

Lily Mitchell, Filmmaker and Athlete

She is determined to let nothing get in her way and looks forward to helping make the film business more accessible for people who are differently abled while helping to dispel the perpetuation of stereotypes. Lily is legally blind from cone rod dystrophy, a condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 11.

More on Lily’s Experience in Filmaking and Para Sports

DC Circuit Judge David Tatel

He has served on the United States Court of Appeal since 1994. Along every step of that way, he dealt with progressive vision loss, from retinitis pigmentosa, and found the resources he needed to succeed.

Listen to Life, Law and Vision Loss on Hadley Presents

Gia Pergolini, Athlete

Legal blindness from, Stargardt Disease, would not deter this world-class athlete. She set her sights on gold and took it in the 100 meter backstroke at the Tokyo Paralympics. At 17, she is inspiring people of every age to achieve their goals.

Read “Gia Pergolini is a Champion”

Ben Benson, Restaurateur

Legally blind from the age of 18, he built a storied career in New York City’s legendary restaurant business, beginning with the creation of the first Friday’s location, which would become an internationally recognized chain.

Liston to Ben’s Extraordinary New York Success Story

Frank Bruni, Journalist, Author and Professor

He entered the realm of vision loss, without warning, in 2017 as he awoke to a forever changed view caused by a stroke of the eye. Now a Duke University professor, he continues to communicate with readers through The New York Times and is about to publish his tenth book, The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found.

Read The Frankness of Bruni

Monet, da Vinci, Degas, O’Keefe, Renoir, Rembrandt, Artists

Thanks to Perkins Learning for this enlightening article on the array of visual impairments that affected the most renowned artists in history. Vision loss did not hinder, in many cases it actually enhanced their work.

Ten Ways Vision Impairment Influenced Classic Artists

January 14, 2022
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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

December 29, 2021
At 90, Edythe Gets Her iPad

In the early summer of 2013, Edythe Heyman came to my office, at the Lighthouse in New York, for a scheduled technology consultation. Diagnosed with macular degeneration in her 60’s, she had been legally blind for many years, and was then just months from her 90th birthday. With vision loss progressing, and no treatment or correction in sight, Edythe was referred to me, by her retina specialist, to explore the ways she might use an iPad. Seeking solutions to compensate for vision loss, she was particularly interested in finding ways she could continue reading The New York Times. I well understood the proposition, it was among the top requests from low vision patients and a loss I had experienced myself.

Although she did not use a personal computer, Edythe was not new to assistive technology. She utilized a video magnifier to read mail, for example, but it was not conducive to reading a newspaper. She adopted an early version of the OrCam reader, but that too, proved to be less than optimal for reading the news. She was able, however, to satisfy her love of books, by switching to audiobooks, with a subscription to the National Library Service Talking Books program, early on.

At our first meeting, I demonstrated how Apple’s iOS devices used the VoiceOver screen reader to turn text to speech. We explored the ways Edythe might use an iPad to read The New York Times, read e-Books, audiobooks, and communicate by email, all by mobile apps. She was anxious to give it a try, and we gave her the opportunity to navigate the touch screen, trying out some of the VoiceOver gestures that give the iPad (and iPhone) a voice. She also got to try out some of the Siri voice commands and very quickly became interested to get started learning. I provided the details she would need to buy her iPad at the Apple Store and get it set up properly andWe reviewed how the training would be structured. I then cautioned Edythe, as I did everyone about to embark on the VoiceOver learning experience, “It will not be easy. You must be willing to work at it. Practice, on a daily basis, is essential for success. It will be frustrating at times, but soon it will become second nature. Learning VoiceOver is well worth the effort and it will change your life!”

A fair number of my potential students left with the iPad or iPhone buying instructions in hand, and the cautionary words echoing in their head, never to be heard from again. Edythe Heyman returned one week later, with her new iPad, all set up and ready to go. She was able to accomplish her goal of reading her favorite newspaper again, everyday, with efficiency and with joy. She learned to communicate with family and friends by email, using a combination of Siri and VoiceOver, and she delighted in saving photos sent by family to her iPad Photos app.

Photo of Edythe Heyman at age 92
Image Credit: Lighthouse Guild

Edythe was not only there to learn, she was also there to teach us. A Lighthouse Guild Vision+Health publication from 2015 states, “At 92 years old, Edythe Heyman proves that there is no age barrier to learning new technology. No longer able to read standard print, she has embraced accessible technology to help her stay informed and in touch. ‘One of my great pleasures was taking The New York Times with me to the breakfast table and reading it. I can’t do that anymore,’ says Edythe, ‘Now I can access The New York Times app, listen to the latest books and use email.’

Edythe Heyman passed away, at age 98, on December 1, 2021. The New York Times obituary in her memory ended with, “Edythe’s friends are asked simply to remember her.” She was a friend of mine and a generous supporter of the Association for Macular Diseases, OE Patients, Lighthouse Guild and many other organizations. She was an inspiration and she will be missed.

December 22, 2021
Reclaim Your Digital Focus
Loss of focus doesn’t only happen in the eyes, it also happens in the brain. One of the known killers of concentration is the smartphone with its unending stream of notifications, alerts, sounds, vibrations, reminders and the incessant ding of social media. At any point in any given day your brain can be hijacked by a totally unwelcome intruder in the form of a digital message.

The good news is, the very creators of this problem, are recognizing it, and have simultaneously released new tools designed to help us get some control over the chronic distractions, and perhaps begin to recover our ever shrinking attention span. The Do Not Disturb setting, easily implemented by voice assistant in iOS or Android, is a quick way to shut your phone up as needed, but it requires a degree of discipline and is mostly engaged to promote a restful night’s sleep. In iOS 15, Apple adds a new level of settings to help your focus and in Android 12 you’ll find the settings, aptly named: Digital Wellbeing.

Image shows woman at work making the “be quiet” gesture.

Here’s how to begin minimizing distractions from your mobile devices, including iOS and Android tablets, although they seem to deliver far less noise, in general, as compared to their smartphone counterparts.

Apple iOS 15

On an iPhone running iOS 15, go to Settings (or ask Siri to “Open Settings”) and scroll down to Focus.
- In Do Not Disturb you now have the option to share your settings across Apple devices
- Configure and customize Focus Settings for when you’re at Work or in other Personal scenarios and iOS will guide you through the setup to determine when, where, who and on what schedule you receive messages
Android 12

In Android, you can say, “Hey Google, Open the settings for Digital Wellbeing.
- Choose and set a schedule to select the time you want to block out distractions
- Select the most distracting apps you want to disable when in Focus Mode
- Controls in Digital Wellbeing allow you to select which alerts you wish to allow
- In Do Not Disturb you can choose the People option and authorize anyone allowed to bother you when you are muting distractions
- Some Android phones turn on “Shhh” mode when the phone is placed screen side down
It does require a bit of set up and some self-discipline, but doesn’t take very long at all to appreciate the quiet and experience an immediate increase in your ability to get things done without interruption. It gives back a sense of control, the peace and quiet is so much more interesting than the noise, enjoy it.
November 24, 2021
Smart Speakers: You Ask, They Answer
It should come as no surprise that the voice-activated smart speaker is a favorite technology product for people with vision loss. Finally, a talking technology that is truly uncomplicated and incredibly intelligent.

If you don’t yet have one, chances are you soon will. According to Smart Speakers Statistics: Report 2021, the largest consumer of smart speakers is the United States. Amazon currently leads the pack however, by 2025, the annual unit sales for smart speakers could reach 300 million with Google projected to grab a 50% share of the market.

Just for starters, the speakers enable voice interaction with the internet, family, friends, home appliances and fixtures, news, shopping and entertainment. Often called voice assistants, they are known to most of us on a first name basis as Alexa, Google, and Siri. From their earliest stages of development, smart technology has been a dream come true for everyone because it truly does makes life a little easier.

The speakers are sold in a range of prices from $30 to $250, depending on the size and the sound quality. Smart hubs may combine a speaker with a display screen and run upwards of $250. The functionality of voice assistant Alexa and Google is consistent in all size speakers regardless of price. Apple recently introduced the HomePod Mini at $99 to replace the original high end HomePod (priced at $349). Unfortunately, Apple’s Siri still ranks way behind Google or Alexa, in terms of job performance.

Amazon Echo Dot. Credit: Time

Amazon announced they will reallocate company resources to maximize the Echo Alexa business. Google and Apple will do their best to elevate their assistants to try and outdo Alexa. We’ll see plenty more competition from the likes of Microsoft, Samsung, LG, and others. That means more choices and even better technology to come.

The thrill of turning on the lights with your voice is here for the asking. The speaker can become the hub for your smart home. Wifi connected outlets make upgrades easy to execute and there are thousands of Alexa, Google, and Siri compatible products on the market already.

Here are just some of the things you can do with your smart speaker:
- Play music by artist, song, album or genre
- Get the news
- Set a timer or an alarm
- Listen to popular podcasts or radio
- Find a TV program
- Get calendar events and reminders
- Get weather, traffic, travel and flight information
- Turn on the lights
- Check the dictionary for spelling and definitions
- Control the thermostat
- Play games
- Calculate simple and complex mathematics
- Create a shopping list
- Cook with step by step recipes
- Answers a multitude of questions
- Request a Lyft
- Get stock quotes
- Find a restaurant or local business
- Turn on the lights
- Find out what movies are playing locally
The setup process begins with an app downloaded to your smartphone. This is exactly where we became acquainted with our first virtual assistant, Siri. Visually impaired iPhone users were delighted to be among the earliest beneficiaries of this accessible technology, and now it’s nice to see everyone else follow.

Main image credit: Google

This post was originally published on Feb 16, 2018 and updated Sep 23, 2022
September 23, 2021
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
September 10, 2021
OE Patients AMD Guide

There is a lot to know about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is particularly true for newly diagnosed patients, but also important for patients at every stage of AMD.

STAY POSTED with OE Patients monthly updates, here’s the signup.

Wrinkled Face Of Elderly Woman

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

You’re not alone if you were recently diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s one of the most common causes of visual impairment in older adults, affecting millions in the United States alone. Chances are the nice woman sitting next to you in a clinic’s waiting room has AMD also and is undergoing treatment.

Read the Article

Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

The Anti-AMD Diet

One of our most popular posts, authored by a nutritionist and wellness expert, looks at the impact diet has on slowing the progression of AMD. It’s popularity reflects the interest in, and importance of, making healthy food and lifestyle choices for better outcomes overall.

Read the Article

Three generations of a family sitting on a park bench.

Hope for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that impacts millions in the United States alone. In our previous article, What is AMD?, we explored the different levels and types, as well as major risk factors. Thankfully, treatment is an effective option now. Even just fifteen or so years ago, having the advanced form of AMD almost guaranteed that your vision would become severely impaired.

Read the Article

Artists Work Through Macular Degenerat

Artists Work Through Macular Degeneration

These visual artists with AMD, in their 70’s and 80’s, continued to flourish, some crating their best work after vision loss. They inspire us to carry on doing what we love to do.

Read the Article

Three seniors using different technology in a living room.

OE Agrees With AAO

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), most patients with age-related vision loss believe there is nothing they can do to improve quality of life. AAO and OE want patients to know — that is not correct.

Read the Article

Image shows group of AMD patients applauding.

NEI Study Shows AMD Vitamins Work

A 10-year follow-on study by the National Eye Institute confirms the AREDS2 supplement formula is effective in slowing progress of AMD in patients with moderate to advanced disease.

Read the Article

Image of the logo for The Retina Counselor.

The Retina Counselor – AMD

Learn about treatments in development for AMD and find a printable PDF to discuss with your retina specialist.

Read the Article

August 30, 2021
No Apologies Necessary
According to the Oxford Dictionary, sorry means: feeling distress over someone else’s misfortune, feeling regret, or in a poor or pitiful condition. So why do we frequently use it so casually and out of context? Is it distress, pity or regret that compels us to insert “Sorry” ahead of a reasonable and valid request? Or is it just an unfortunate habit in need of a conscious correction?

An expression of regret, when you haven’t done anything wrong, is completely unnecessary. The preemptive apology tells the person it is directed to that you are not feeling good about what you are saying to them, which is not helpful to either of you. Knowing that you are feeling bad does not make the other person feel better. This applies across the board to family, friends and colleagues. Keep in mind, if the person you are saying “sorry” to is in a position that involves customer service, helping you is actually in their job description. The important thing to remember is, people usually feel very good when helping others, so don’t disrupt that positive energy.

Image shows man looking apologetic and saying “sorry.”

This topic has been recurring, on our pages since it came up in the OE Patients Podcast: Working With A Vision Coach. “I Don’t Have to Apologize,” is one of the Mindsets & Beliefs we examined in conversation with Jaydan Mitchell. The podcast also inspired a post titled, Asking for Help is a Strength. Both subjects are familiar to people with vision loss, and frankly to all humans.

The unnecessary apology can make you look, and feel, less confident. It’s perfectly okay for you to ask for what you need. Think of and begin using better words to communicate with clarity. Take the cringe out of your requests and turn them into mutually gratifying experiences. How about trying some simple word replacements for sorry, that can begin your request without “sorry.”
- I am visually impaired and…
- Excuse me, I need some help….
- Hi, can you help…
- Is there someone who can assist me with…
- Unfortunately, I am not able to read this…
- I’d appreciate your help with…
- Please can you show me where…
- Pardon me, may I ask you for help reading…
Take back the power by eliminating the knee-jerk apologies and replacing them with clear and specific requests. It will take some time, some thought and some practice. And ultimately, it will be better for everyone involved.
August 6, 2021
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.

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

July 29, 2021
Click Listen And OE Reads To You
From time to time, we like to remind our readers that they can not only read the articles on OE, they can also opt to listen.

An OE subscriber, Tobie, recently told us how much she enjoys having our articles read to her and she wondered if other readers were missing out on this feature. She wrote, “I didn’t realize until recently, that the articles on your site can be read to you. Because of my vision loss, I did not see the symbol for turning on the ‘reader’ for quite a while. It is very convenient and well worth knowing about. I suspect many of your readers may not be aware of this feature.”

Tobie’s thoughtful feedback prompts us to share a brief refresher on OE Patients built in accessibility features. Our website was designed to go easy on the eyes, with uncluttered pages and clean fonts. And we elevated easy to the next level, with the addition of text to speech, which reads the page, to you, aloud.

Let’s review OE Patients accessibility options…

Listen on a Desktop Computer

At the top of the page, on the right side of the main menu, between Support Us and the Search Icon, is a large button labeled “Listen.” Click this button and within a few seconds a voice will begin reading the contents of the page. All you have to do is listen.

Listen on a Mobile Device

On mobile screens the Listen button is in Accessibility Settings. Click on the last menu button labeled AA, the Listen button is at the bottom of this drop down menu. Click it and Listen as the page is read.

OE Patients accessibility features.

Click the AA Accessibility icon, at the upper right corner, for the drop down menu selection that includes:
- Reverse Contrast
Change standard black text on white to yellow text on black, or white text on black.
- Text Size
Select from 5 sizes
- Text Only
Turn On/Off
- Listen
Reads the page to you

This post was first published on Oct 23, 2019 and refreshed on Jul 9, 2021.
July 9, 2021
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.

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 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.
June 4, 2021
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!

May 28, 2021