Q. What kind of glasses should you get for low vision?
A. Low vision is a significant reduction in visual function that can’t be corrected by regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. Low vision can range from moderate impairment — such as tunnel vision or blind spots — to almost total blindness.
One out of every 20 people has low vision. About 135 million people around the world suffer from this impairment.
Irreversible vision loss is most common among people over age 65. However, losing vision is not just part of getting older. Some normal changes occur as we get older. These changes usually don’t lead to low vision.
Low vision can be caused by diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the eye. Many people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma. Almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision are caused by age-related macular degeneration, which progressively destroys the central retina (macula) at the back of your eye. The retina is to your eye what film is to a camera.
If you think you may have low vision, consult an eyecare professional who can tell the difference between normal changes in the aging eye and those caused by disease.
There are many signs that indicate possible vision loss. Under normal circumstances, do you have trouble recognizing faces of people you know? Is it difficult for you to read, sew, match the color of your clothes? Do lights seem dimmer than they used to?
Vision changes like these could be early warning signs of eye disease. Usually, the earlier your problem is diagnosed, the better your chances are for successful treatment and maintaining your vision.
Regular eye exams should be part of your routine health care. However, if you think your vision has changed, you should see your eyecare professional as soon as possible.
A specialist in low vision is an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is trained to evaluate vision. This professional can prescribe visual devices and teach people how to use them.
Devices and rehabilitation programs can help you adapt to vision loss. They may help you maintain your lifestyle.
These devices include: adjustable lighting; large-print publications; magnifying devices;
closed-circuit televisions; electronic reading machines; computer systems with voice-recognition; telescopes, and telephones, clocks, and watches with large numbers.
Rehabilitation programs offer a wide range of services such as low-vision evaluations and special training to use adaptive devices. They also offer guidance for making changes in your home as well as group support from others with low vision.
If you would like to ask a question, write to fred@healthygeezer.com.
Cicetti is a health care writer with more than 40 years of journalistic experience.
Beverly Beck was installed as president of the Rainy Lake Medical Center Auxiliary at the meeting Jan. 6 at the hospital.
Also installed were Sonia Wegge as vice president. Bea Brown as treasurer, and Mary Ann Lien was corresponding secretary. The recording secretary will be installed at a later date.
Plans for the February sloppy joe feed were started with Wegge as chairperson. Proceeds from that event will go toward a scholarship which will be awarded to a high school senior who is pursuing a health-related career.
Thank you letters were read from Claudia Mescher, president of District B hospital auxiliaries, and from Sadie Darvell.
Membership chairperson Beck reported 51 paid-up members.
Connie Lacher was appointed new membership chairperson.
It was announced that Carol Lagoo was the recipient of the quilt.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the auxiliary will be Feb. 3 at the hospital.
In loving memory of our mother, Lois A. Nelson (Thydean), who passed away Jan. 19, 1987.
Thank you, mother, for all that you have done;
You took great care of your daughters and sons.
You loved us all from the very start,
With your warm, kind and loving heart.
Thank you, mother, for being strong;
While trying to teach us right from wrong.
If any time we had a problem,
You were there to help us solve them.
You’d lift us up, when we were feeling blue;
Thank you, mother, for we could always count on you.
You were such an awesome mother,
The love you showed was like no other.
Thank you, mother, for your dear, sweet love;
Now you’ll watch over us from heaven above.
And you are so dearly missed by your family!
In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather, Jack Faulkner, who passed away Jan. 18, 2001.
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree;
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea.
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night;
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight.
Then God combined these qualities,
There was nothing more to add;
His masterpiece was now complete,
He lovingly called it Dad.
Sadly missed
and loved by
Matt, Meghann and Sam
Rick and Lou Anne
In memory of Stan Long Sr.
Feb. 24, 1945-Jan. 15, 2013
Hon, I can’t believe it’s already been two years!
The days and nights go by, and I’m still in tears.
I don’t need a month of Sundays,
To say how much I miss you;
‘Cause every day when I close my eyes,
Your smiling face comes through.
The pain of losing you continues;
It hasn’t healed much at all!
Although the days keep passing by,
The tears for you still flow.
We love and miss you so much!
Bev
Sadi Su
and Mika
Senior Menu
Hot meals for people 60 or older are served at noon Monday through Friday at Koochiching County Senior Center, 307 Fourth St.
Meals are for anyone, regardless of income. A $4 donation is suggested. Meals are subject to change. Participants under age 60 are welcome at $7.50 each.
For reservations call 283-3460 the day before the meal. Cancellations may be made the day of the meal.
MONDAY
Chicken broccoli bake
Ambrosia salad
Fresh fruit
TUESDAY
Boiled dinner or alternate
Fruit
Lemon bar
WEDNESDAY
Tater Tot casserole
Beets
Fruit
THURSDAY
Harvest stew
Garlic biscuit
Cucumber salad
Fresh fruit
FRIDAY
Goulash
Lettuce salad
Dressing
Fruit
