Can I Drive If I Have Low Vision?

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If you have low vision, it’s only natural if you find yourself wondering whether you’re allowed to drive. The answer to that question can be complicated, so if you have low vision and would like to continue driving, it’s important to work with your eye doctor in Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. Here’s what you need to know about driving with low vision.

Every State is Different

Every state has different requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. If you’re trying to get a driver’s license with low vision in North Carolina, the state does place minimum requirements on visual acuity for drivers. The requirements include a minimum of “20/200 visual acuity in one or both eyes through conventional eyeglass lenses (if needed) and at least 20/70 visual acuity in one or both eyes through a bioptic telescope.”

These requirements can change with law and rule changes, so it’s important to stay up to date with the North Carolina DMV. If you have questions about your ability to drive, contact the DMV directly. If you live in another state, you’ll need to contact your state’s DMV to find out whether you meet the requirements to get a driver’s license where you live.

If You Drive, Drive Responsibly

Even if you meet the minimum requirements to drive, it’s also important to know your own limitations and to drive responsibly. Work with your eye doctor to get the best care for your eyes and to ensure that you’re able to see as much as you can when you’re out in the world. Start by getting a low vision exam in Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. To schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD.

Cooking with Low Vision: Tips and Tricks  

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Low vision can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. It can affect your ability to drive, read and even your ability to cook safely. Working with your eye doctor in Wilmington, Charlotte and Asheville NC, you can recapture some independence and ability to do the tasks you love, even with low vision. Here’s what you need to know about cooking with low vision.

Seek Adaptive Kitchen Tools

There are many kitchen tools that people with low vision can use to make cooking easier. Some examples of the type of kitchen tools that someone with low vision can benefit from include:

  • Measuring cups that have bold, dark text that’s easy to read
  • Electronic devices that “talk” (talking microwave, talking kitchen scale)
  • Cutting boards that are brightly colored, that will stand in contrast to dark-colored foods
  • Food choppers (quickly cut up foods without posing a danger to the user)
  • Cooking utensils and knives with brightly colored handles

Using tools like these in the kitchen can make it easier to see what’s happening in the kitchen while cooking. These tools can also prevent accidents and can make cooking more efficient.

Enhance Visibility In the Kitchen

The following tips help make maneuvering around the kitchen safer and easier:

  • Lighten work areas in the kitchen with gooseneck lights
  • Use measuring cups that contrast sharply with the food being measured
  • Use paint or stickers to indicate frequently used settings or buttons on the oven, microwave, blender and more

Maneuvering around the kitchen with low vision can be a challenge, but it helps to see an eye doctor that can give you suggestions for making the kitchen safe.

Want to know more about living with low vision? Contact Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD to get help with low vision care in Wilmington, Charlotte and Asheville NC.

 

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Macular Degeneration Prevention 101: The Role of Ultraviolet Protection

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May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at educating people about the importance of protecting their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. As a low vision doctor, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about how UV-protection plays a critical role in preventing macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive disease that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a loss of central vision, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the more common type caused by the buildup of debris called drusen in the macula. Wet macular degeneration is less common and is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which leak blood and fluid into the macula.

While there is no known cure for macular degeneration, there are several ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease or slowing its progression. One of the most effective ways to do this is by wearing UV protection.
UV radiation is a type of energy that comes from the sun and can also be emitted by artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation can cause damage to the skin and eyes, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a known risk factor for macular degeneration.

Studies have shown that people who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate UV protection are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. This includes the activities that you may normally attribute to protecting yourself from UV rays, like swimming and tanning, as well as activities like fishing, boating, and winter sports. The UV rays reflect off of the water or snow and can cause oxidative stress and damage to the cells in the retina, including the macula.

To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation, it is important to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Look for sunglasses that are labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.” This will ensure that the sunglasses block both UVA and UVB radiation.
It is also important to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate clouds and still reach your eyes. Additionally, wearing a hat with a brim can provide additional protection from UV radiation.

As a low vision doctor, I encourage my patients to prioritize their eye health by taking steps to reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration. Wearing UV protection is one of the most effective ways to do this, and it’s a simple step that can have a significant impact on your eye health.

For my peers in the healthcare industry, I encourage you to educate your patients about the importance of UV protection and to incorporate discussions about UV protection into your routine eye exams. Many people are not aware of the risks associated with UV radiation, and by raising awareness, we can help reduce the number of people who develop macular degeneration.

As far as Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we do not offer treatments for macular degeneration, but we do offer sunglasses. We also offer low vision glasses for people so that patients can find ways to continue to participate in daily life and activities, even if other types of glasses no longer provide the vision support required.

As we observe Ultraviolet Awareness Month, let us all make a commitment to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. By wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection and taking other steps to reduce our exposure to UV radiation, we can reduce our risk of developing macular degeneration and preserve our vision for years to come.

It’s never too late to start taking steps to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Whether you’re young or old, healthy, or already experiencing vision problems, wearing UV protective eyewear can help prevent further damage to your eyes and reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. So, make sure to wear your sunglasses and stay safe in the sun!

Excerpt/Snippet: May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at educating people about the importance of protecting their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

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