Who are the glaucoma support groups?
There are a number of support groups that are available for patients with glaucoma and/or low vision.
Please click on the links below:
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped
Guide Dogs Singapore
Tan Tock Seng Hospital Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation
iC2 Prephouse
Low vision tools
What is Low Vision?
Glaucoma is a leading cause of low vision. Low vision interferes with the ability to carry out normal daily activities. It is permanent and irreversible vision loss that cannot be corrected with spectacles, medication or surgery. Despite advances in medical treatments, glaucoma remains incurable and some patients inevitably develop low vision.
Low vision is both a clinical condition and a lived experience. It impacts a person in many ways, and has consequences on quality of life that differ for each person. The consequences of low vision are complex and multidimensional. Visual, functional, psychological, social and economic impacts, all collectively shape individual experience.
Low Vision in Context: Some Everyday Functional Difficulties
A person with low vision may have difficulties:
• Reading signs or distant objects
• Reading closeup, for example newspapers or text messages.
• Recognising faces and objects
• Detecting moving vehicles
• With personal care and hygiene
• Preparing meals and eating
• Dressing
• Finding things
• With independent mobility, going shopping, travelling, visiting friends and family
Low vision can also indirectly impact mobility through:
• Increased risk of falls and hip fractures
• Being overly careful because of a fear of falling
• Other chronic/medical conditions that increases disability
Low Vision Rehabilitation: Using the Vision You Have
Losing vision from glaucoma does not mean giving up your daily activities. It means learning and applying new ways of doing them. Although glaucoma treatment may be at end-stage, there are ways to maximise remaining vision and improve quality of life with aids, strategies, support and rehabilitation.
Low vision rehabilitation is when people with low vision learn how to do things in new ways. You can learn new ways to read, write, do daily tasks at home and to move around outdoors, by using certain low vision and adaptive aids. Low vision specialists may work with you as a team. This team may include:
• An optometrist
• An occupational therapist
• An orientation and mobility specialist (helping you move around better)
• A social worker
• A counsellor
• Low Vision Aids
There are various low vision aids, strategies and therapies to help you with your daily activities. The earlier you start to use low vision aids, the better you adjust and learn new ways to maintain your independence and activities. Being aware of low vision aids can also help should your vision loss progressively get worse. Consult a low vision specialist about your specific needs and goals. You will also need training in how to use the aids. Here are some low vision aids that may be useful:
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- Optical Aids: These magnification aids make objects look larger and easier to see. Optical low vision aids are useful for reading newspaper and books, seeing price tags, threading a needle and other close-up tasks.
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- Telescopic Devices: These aids are used to see objects or watch television. Some can be worn like spectacles and others are held like binoculars
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- Electronic Devices: These devices are available in portable and desk formats, and include tablet devices. Through projection, electronic devices make printed pages, pictures or other small objects look bigger. You often can adjust them to meet your special vision needs
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- Desktop Device
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- Sensorial Devices: When vision progresses to a severe stage, optical aids may be inappropriate. At this stage, sensorial devices such as Braille, tactile watches, talking clocks, liquid level indicators and audio books may be helpful. These devices are designed to help with everyday tasks by compensating with your other senses.
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- Mobility Aids: As visual fields become constricted, most people with glaucoma face problems with moving around safely. They tend to walk slower and bump into objects/people frequently. At this stage, white canes would be helpful to detect obstacles and differences in ground level to walk around safely and independently
Taking the First Step
Vision loss can certainly be frightening. But learning how to adapt, with the expertise and support of low vision specialists, can help you remain independent and lead a fulfilling life. A consultation with a low vision specialist can help you explore options, practical aids, adaptive strategies, and training to help you improve your quality of life.