Many eye conditions respond to treatment that can stop their progression before they lead to severe vision loss. However, there are times when even the highest level of care isn’t enough to keep you from losing your ability to see. Severe vision loss requires making some significant lifestyle changes to help you manage your activities of daily living and stay safe from dangers that exist at every turn. You may also be reeling from the emotional effects of being unable to see as you did before. Finding resources for support is important for helping you to learn how to cope with vision loss and stay inspired for learning new ways to meet your needs.

Take Action to Preserve Your Current Vision

Depending on your eye health, you might be able to take steps to stop yourself from going completely blind. For instance, a retinal disease specialist in Brooklyn might recommend using intravitreal injections to deliver anti-VEGF medications to your eye when you have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. While these conditions tend to be progressive, they may be able to slow down the rate of degeneration. Finding ways to preserve your vision gives you a greater sense of control over what is happening to your eyes.

Explore Low Vision Aids and Non-Optical Aids

Eyeglasses and contacts aren’t the only options that you have for improving your ability to see. You can also use low vision aids such as magnifying glasses and telescopic lenses that enlarge words and images for better clarity. Non-optical aids are additional tools to add to your lifestyle, and you’ll find an array of options available that can help you overcome common challenges. Text reading software is available that makes it easier to read by converting the words to speech or braille. Talking clocks and other devices can give you information that allows you to receive it through auditory means.

The best ophthalmologists are always eager to help people learn how to manage their vision loss. Your eye doctor can give you tips on how to stay safe at home and in public, and they can also refer you to resources such as the New York State Commission for the Blind that offers assistance with obtaining low vision devices when you need help managing your work and school responsibilities.

Create a List of People to Reach Out to For Support

Your eye doctor is your go-to person for figuring out how to preserve and manage your vision. You’ll also want to add additional people to your support network that you can turn to during times of need. The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities offers connections to resources that can help you obtain a Guide Dog, find safe transportation, and access vision loss-friendly reading materials. If you find it hard to cope emotionally with your vision loss, then talking to a counselor can also help.

Surrounding yourself with support makes it easier to navigate through life with vision loss. Regular visits to your eye doctor help you maintain the vision that you still have, and they’ll help you plan for the future. Whether you have a question about a vision aid or are concern about new changes in your vision, reaching out for support helps you feel emotionally and physically stronger during this major life transition.