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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How Normal Aging Can Contribute to Low Vision

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It’s common to develop vision impairment as we age. In fact, refractive errors such as presbyopia,or nearsightedness, often occur after the age of 45. However, some eye conditions make it more difficult to see than others. These include conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. If you’re struggling with low vision, your eye doctor in Wilmington, NC, can help you find solutions.

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is a reduced ability to see, and it’s usually permanent. Unlike problems caused by refractive errors, low vision can’t be fixed through prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Instead, it must be managed in ways that help you go on with your daily activities. Usually, this involves using low-vision aids, including magnifying glasses, mounted loupes, hand magnifiers, or reading telescopes.

What Causes Low Vision?

Chronic conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetes, and glaucoma are common causes of low vision. Unlike other medical ailments, lost vision usually can’t be corrected. And because most of the conditions that cause low vision worsen with age, simply the act of getting older can contribute to reduced vision.

Low vision can make it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces by sight. However, with the help of low-vision aids, you can still maintain your quality of life.

How Do I Know If I Have Low Vision?

If your vision seems blurrier than it used to be, or if you’re having an increasingly difficult time seeing well enough to read or drive, low vision could be the culprit. This condition may affect your central or peripheral vision. Or, it may contribute to night blindness — the inability to see well in low light.

If you notice vision changes like these as you age, a visit to your eye doctor is recommended.

Help for Low Vision in Wilmington, NC

For the diagnosis and treatment of low vision in Wilmington, NC, call the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina. Dr. Edward Paul is waiting to help you manage life with low vision.

Sources

Low Vision Evaluation

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/low-vision#:~:text=Low%20vision%20is%20a%20vision,Drive

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/low-vision/overview/ovc-20519042#:~:text=Low%20vision%20means%20having%20impaired,include%20glaucoma%2C%20cataracts%20and%20diabetes.

What is Low Vision Care?

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Low vision is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a term used to describe significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Individuals with low vision may have difficulty performing everyday activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

The professional team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D., of Wilmington, NC, is proud to serve the local community with premium low-vision care services to help restore your confidence in a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Low vision care is specialized to help individuals with low vision maximize their visual abilities and maintain their independence. It is a collaborative effort between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in low-vision care.

This also focuses on helping individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision through visual aids, environmental modifications, and training. The goal is to help individuals with low vision achieve their goals and maintain independence.

Why is Low Vision Care Important?

Low vision can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It can make it difficult or impossible to perform everyday tasks, such as reading, writing, cooking, or driving. This can lead to frustration, isolation, and a loss of independence.

We can help individuals with low vision overcome these challenges by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to maintain their independence and quality of life. By working with a low-vision specialist, individuals with low vision can learn how to use visual aids, make environmental modifications, and develop new skills to help them achieve their goals.

Types of Services and Devices Available for Low-Vision Care

Visual aids are devices that can help individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and should complement proper glasses or contacts. There are many different types of visual aids available, including:

  • Magnifiers: Magnifiers are handheld devices that can be used to enlarge text and images.
  • Telescopes: Telescopes are devices that can see distant objects more clearly.
  • Microscopes: Microscopes are devices that can see small objects more clearly.
  • Filters: Filters are devices that can enhance contrast and reduce glare.
  • Electronic devices: Electronic devices, such as video magnifiers and screen readers, can be used to enlarge text and images or convert text to speech.

Environmental Modifications

Environmental modifications involve changing an individual’s environment to make it easier to see and navigate. Some common ecological changes include:

  • Increased lighting: Adding more lighting can help make it easier to see.
  • Contrast enhancement: Adding contrast to surfaces, such as painting door frames a contrasting color, can help make them easier to see.
  • Organizational tools: Using administrative tools, such as label makers and high-contrast calendars, can help individuals with low vision stay organized.

Your Trusted Low Vision Care Expert

Low vision can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the proper care and support, patients can lead fulfilling and independent lives. Low-vision care professionals, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, and occupational therapists, can provide patients with the tools and resources to maximize their vision and maintain their quality of life. Suppose you or a loved one is living with low vision. In that case, it’s essential to seek out the care of a qualified low-vision specialist who can help you navigate the challenges of this condition and find the solutions that work best for you.

During your next appointment with the proficient team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D., of Wilmington, NC, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and guidance you and your unique situation deserve.

World Glaucoma Week

See Clearly into the Future: The Importance of World Glaucoma Week

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World Glaucoma Week is an annual event held every March to raise awareness about glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide. The week is marked by special global awareness events and activities.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half of them are aware of their condition. This is why it is so important to spread awareness about glaucoma and the role that low vision doctors can play in helping those with the disease.

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop gradually and without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. The most common type of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly over time and can be painless. In fact, many people with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms until they have already lost a significant amount of vision.

This is where our low vision doctors play a crucial role. We specialize in helping people with vision loss caused by a variety of conditions, including glaucoma. We help people with glaucoma manage their vision loss and continue to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

One of the main ways that we can help those with glaucoma at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina is by providing low vision aids and devices. These can include special prescription binocular glasses (often bioptic telescopes) and other aids that help people with vision loss to see better. By using these aids and glasses, people with glaucoma can continue to read, watch TV, and perform other activities that they enjoy.

Our low vision doctors can also work with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for those with glaucoma. This can include working with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other specialists to ensure that people receive the best possible care for their condition and know all of their options.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk for the disease, it is important to schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor. This can help to detect glaucoma early and ensure that it is managed effectively. In addition to regular eye exams, our low vision doctors also provide specialized care for those with glaucoma.

To get the most out of your low vision doctor appointment, it is important to come prepared with questions and concerns. You may want to ask your low vision doctor about specific low vision aids and devices that can help you to see better.

Glaucoma doesn’t have to slow you down. Call our office today to schedule your glaucoma screening or low vision evaluation to learn about your options. 910-720-4187

Top Three Symptoms of Low Vision and How to Solve Them

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While many Americans may experience low vision, it does not mean you need to live with it. With technological developments and a knowledgeable team, even the most severe degeneration can be solved.

The team at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina in Charlotte, NC is proud to serve three major communities with effective low-vision solutions.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related degeneration, injury, or disease. If you are experiencing low vision, it is important to speak with an eye doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan.

Difficulty Reading

One of the most common symptoms of low vision is difficulty reading. If you are having trouble reading small prints or seeing clearly at a normal reading distance, you may have low vision. To solve this problem, you may need to use special magnifying glasses or a magnifying device to help you see more clearly.

Troubled Periphery Vision

Another symptom of low vision is trouble with your peripheral vision, or the ability to see things to the side while looking straight ahead. If you have trouble seeing objects or people in your peripheral vision, you may have low vision. A certain device called a bioptic telescope can help you see more clearly in the periphery. Y

Myopia and Hyperopia

Low vision can also be caused by myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Proper glasses and contact lenses are the primary solutions for these low-vision issues.

Your Local Quality Low Vision Care Team

If you are experiencing low vision, it is important to speak with an eye doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan. There are many different solutions available to help you manage your low vision, including glasses, contact lenses, special devices, and assistive technologies. During your appointment with the expert team at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina in Charlotte, NC, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and attention you deserve to improve your health and independence.

Top 3 Common Causes of Low Vision (And How to Correct Them)

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Low vision is a common issue that causes a lot of discomfort to many Americans for various reasons. While this may largely be due to aging, some common eye diseases or injuries can contribute to the rapid degeneration of your eyesight.

The Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Wilmington and Asheville, NC, provide full and professional eye care services that can reduce degeneration and help to restore eyesight regardless of the issue.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is more than just deteriorating eyesight, it is characterized by impaired vision that cannot be fixed with common methods, such as prescriptive lenses, medication, or surgery. Common causes of low vision are through certain eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts.

How Low Vision is Often Formed

Aging

Low vision is attributed to aging but can go above and beyond this characterization. For example, certain acquired diseases such as glaucoma can develop throughout one’s life. Low vision can also come as a result of eye injuries, such as blunt trauma or infections.

Genetics

There are various diseases that are congenital ( present at birth) or develop throughout one’s life due to genetics. Common congenital diseases are cataracts, which are present at birth but may not become fully pronounced until later on in life. Optic atrophy is a condition that weakens the optic nerves within the eye and is mostly due to genetic inheritance.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle has a large effect on low vision diseases. The most common one is macular degeneration, which is a loss of central vision. This is more common in those over 50, and those who eat diets high in saturated fat and have high blood pressure.

Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Asheville and Wilmington, NC

Low vision does not go away on its own and becomes more pronounced the longer you hold off treatment. An appointment with the Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Asheville or Wilmington, NC, ensures that you have the professional advice necessary for proper recommendations on your unique situation.

 

Understanding and Treating Low Vision

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Low vision makes it challenging to engage in everyday activities such as reading, driving, using the computer, and recognizing people’s faces. Traditional solutions for improving vision, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, are ineffective in the treatment of low vision. Dr. Edward Paul offers low vision diagnosis and treatment in Asheville, Wilmington, and Charlotte, NC for people who have not responded well to traditional optometry solutions.

What Causes Low Vision?

Low vision typically occurs due to a medical condition affecting the eyes, such as macular degeneration. Dr. Paul is a well-respected authority on the diagnosis and treatment of this age-related eye condition. Macular degeneration is a disease of the eyes that causes blurring of the central vision. Other conditions that can lead to low vision include:

  • Cataracts: This condition develops when clumps of protein gather in the eye. Cataracts cause cloudy vision and are common as people age.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetes affects the blood vessels in the retina, and the condition can lead to significant vision loss or blindness if not detected and treated early.
  • Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerves in the back of the eye causes this slowly progressive eye disease. One of the first symptoms is the inability to see people or objects to the side very well.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Vision

The first step in diagnosing a low vision condition is to undergo a dilated eye exam with Dr. Paul. He then explains your specific condition and learns more about your vision goals. Possible treatment options include using adaptive equipment to compensate for low vision, completing vision therapy, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, and modification of your home and work environments.

Living with a low vision condition can be frustrating, but The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina are here to help. Please schedule a low vision assessment in Asheville, Wilmington, or Charlotte, NC today.

 

Can I Stop My Low Vision From Getting Worse?  

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Low vision can have a big impact on your quality of life! By forcing changes to your lifestyle and personal habits, low vision can make hobbies and other beloved activities difficult or impossible.

If you know what causes low vision, and take steps to stop low vision from getting worse, you may help preserve your preferred lifestyle. If you believe that you have low vision, talk to your eye doctor in Wilmington, NC. Getting treatment is important!

What Causes Low Vision?

Low vision is caused by a variety of eye diseases. These conditions include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal detachment
  • Amblyopia

Because different conditions can cause low vision, it always manifest the same in every patient. For example, some patients lose their peripheral vision, while others lose their central vision. Your eye doctor can help you identify the cause and type of low vision that you’re suffering from.

How Can You Stop Low Vision From Getting Worse?

The way your low vision is treated depends on the cause. Seeking treatment for the eye condition that you’re suffering from can help you maintain good vision for many years. In some cases, low vision can even be reversed.

For example, cataracts can be treated with a surgical procedure, if the condition becomes severe enough. Other types of low vision are permanent. One example of this is glaucoma, a condition that causes blindness if not properly treated. Once vision has been compromised by glaucoma, the damage cannot be reversed.

Get Treatment for Your Low Vision

Do you have low vision? Seek low vision treatment in Wilmington, NC. At Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, we can help. Call today to make an appointment.

The Different Types of Low Vision and the Best Ways to Treat It

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Do you have low vision? An optometrist in Wilmington, NC will be able to look at your eyes and know immediately what issues you are having. It’s possible you have low vision, or you could be experiencing something else.

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is when you have vision loss that can’t be corrected using traditional methods such as glasses, contact lenses, or even surgery. However, low vision isn’t considered blindness since you still have some level of vision.

Some of the symptoms of low vision might include blurred vision, poor night vision, or blind spots. And the most common causes of low vision are glaucoma, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration. There are, however, visual aids available that can help those with low vision.

What Are the Different Types of Low Vision?

There are several types of low vision. The most common types of low vision are as follows:

  • Central Vision Loss – this is when you have a blind spot in the center of one of your eyes.
  • Loss of Peripheral Vision – peripheral vision is your side vision, and this is when you can’t see anything to either side, below, or above eye level; however, you still have your central vision intact.
  • Night Blindness – this is your inability to see in low light areas such as anywhere at night or in a movie theater, etc.
  • Blurred Vision – this is when everything you see near and far is blurred.
  • Hazy Vision – this is when all your vision appears as if it has a hazy film or glare on it.

What Are the Best Ways to Treat Low Vision?

Some vision disorders are treatable, and some are not. However, finding the right optometrist is key to getting cutting-edge treatments that work for most people. Dr. Edward Paul is such a doctor and is widely known for finding treatments for many so-called “incurable” eye diseases. Keep reading to find out how to contact Dr. Paul.

Contact an Optometrist in Wilmington, NC

If you are having low vision problems in Wilmington, NC, and need an optometrist’s diagnosis, we would be happy to help Contact The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina today.