Senior Low Vision Sufferers
Regaining Sight

September 30, 2009, Sarasota, Fla. –  Do you know someone “up there” in age who has difficulty reading the newspaper, writing checks, counting money or navigating a set of stairs? What most Americans don't realize is that the leading cause of this “functional loss” is a disease called Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD. This debilitating disease falls into a broad category of eye diseases classified as Low Vision.

Low Vision is Becoming an Epidemic

AMD strikes someone new every three minutes, and is a leading cause of falls, fractures, and depression among seniors. Twenty-six percent of those over the age of 70 suffer from AMD. Low vision diseases are the third greatest cause of debilitation among senior citizens behind only heart disease and arthritis.

Low vision, by definition, is not curable with surgery, medication or corrective lenses. Moreover, it becomes progressively worse with age. For many seniors, walking safely, cooking and even watching TV have become frightening challenges.

Until now, those who suffer from low vision, including and especially AMD, had few options for relief. In some cases, low vision optometrists are able to design customized lenses that enhance visual acuity. In most cases, these lenses cost thousands of dollars and are not covered by Medicare or other insurances.

Recently, a growing number of Medicare home health agencies have started to offer a form of low vision relief called “home modification”. This remedy consists of trying to adapt the home environment to become more “low vision friendly”. A wide range of techniques, from large-type clocks and magnifiers to “high contrast” markings on on/off switches for lights and appliances, can be employed. These and other creative adaptations can help increase the patient’s functionality, despite progressively worsening visual deficits.

However, while home modification can assist with functionality, it cannot restore vision. Most AMD sufferers ultimately reach the point where they hear the dreaded words, “there's nothing more that can be done”.

Something Can Be Done About Low Vision

Now, for the first time in your area, an option now exists for those with AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma and other low vision disabilities – Visual Retraining.

Visual retraining recognizes that, although diseases like AMD damage the central portion of the macula, there remain other healthy areas where detail vision is still possible. Through scientific testing, these healthy areas can be located, and the eye trained to use them.

Typical Program Results

Frances is 78 years old, and suffers from acute AMD. Before a visual retraining treatment, vision in her better eye was 20/600, with magnification. After treatment, it is now 20/160, a 73% improvement! Her reading speed increased by 40%, and accuracy has improved by almost 50%.

Frances' results are not the exception. The average increase in visual acuity, using visual retraining in combination with home modification, is 40 to 60%. Reading speed and accuracy improve equally dramatically. Patient independence and safety climb proportionately.

And there’s more good news – not only does visual retraining work, but it can be completed in only eight weeks, entirely within the home. And Medicare pays 100% for those who qualify.

The Low Vision Works program is a uniquely effective low vision treatment, which incorporates visual retraining with home adaptation, to produce dramatic increases in visual acuity, reading speed and accuracy and overall functional independence. It is designed specifically to help those who suffer from AMD and other low vision diseases.