by Chief Clinical Editor: Richard Shuldiner, OD, FAAO & Guest Writer: Bryan Wolynski, OD, FAAO
Imagine you are the patient with a serious condition and your doctor says, “nothing more can be done”. Sounds terrible. How would you feel? I know this is something I would never want to hear myself, but this is exactly what many of our patients with low vision are being told. They leave your office more scared, more nervous and too often more depressed and, in some cases, suicidal.
I have had many low vision patients come to me, who are desperate and scared, after having seen many other eye doctors in hopes of getting help. They hope that I will be the one to give them that magic pair of eyeglasses as an answer to their vision loss. Of course, there are no “magic glasses” but low vision doctors are able to provide the help they need to move forward and not into a downward spiral. We can help to alleviate those feelings of anxiety and depression, give them hope for the future, and low vision devices to improve function and quality of life.
The NEI reports that by the year 2050 the number of people who are visually impaired will double. This means that most of us will more than likely encounter more patients with vision loss and depression. The Depression in Visual Impairment Trial is studying the best approach to the treatment of depression in vision loss. But what if you’re not a low vision specialist or what if you do not have the necessary equipment or aids available to help? In fact, you can do a lot.
- Inform them of low vision services. Just saying “do a Google search of low vision care” (or take a few moments and do one with them) can make the difference. Many of my patients find me through the internet and wish their doctor said something.
- Explain their eye disease. Many patients who are experiencing vision loss do not understand what is happening or their own diagnosis. Sometimes just an understanding of the disease process and what is happening to their vision can help them to be more accepting of the tools or devices available.
- Provide high power reading glasses. Most low vision patients often need just basic higher power reading glasses, which can be easily provided by any eye care practitioner. Don’t be afraid to prescribe a high power add, like a +4 or +5. There are labs out there that can accommodate and resources that can help you.
- If you know one, refer to a low vision specialist. You or your staff can find out who your local low vision doctors are and refer to them. They are not there to steal your patient and will happily send them back to you with prescription in hand if needed, and to continue eye health services.
Don’t leave your patients anxious, depressed and nervous. Help them navigate the world of low vision resources and be their advocate. Simple things you can do, like any of the above, can make a huge difference and put your patient with vision loss on the right path. Just think to yourself, “There is something I can do.”