The visual acuity of uveitis patients may fluctuate for various reasons. The most common causes of visual decline are: active episodes of inflammation, complications of uveitis or permanent damage to the structures of the eye. Vision can decrease significantly when uveitis becomes active and consequently affect patients' ability to perform daily functions and tasks. For many patients, this visual decline occurs episodically and improves as they respond to treatment. Occasionally, the visual impairment can be severe, resulting in "temporary blindness" or permanent visual impairment. This can make it difficult to perform certain activities in the same manner as before the vision loss. The lack of available accessible resources impacts the performance of daily tasks independently. Because many uveitis patients only need some supplemental tools during episodes of inflammation and not all the time, getting used to their use can be a gradual and ever-changing process. Here is a list of strategies to maximize remaining vision:
Increase size, brightness and contrast
Electronic devices offer the alternative of increasing the size, brightness and contrast of their displays. Look for these options under tools or settings.
Instruments such as electronic magnifiers can modify the size, brightness and contrast of material printed on paper.
Night shift is a tool that has been implemented in most electronic devices and automatically adjusts the contrast and brightness of the screen according to the course of the day. It is a good option to protect the eyes from the bright light of electronic device screens
Increase text size
Many electronic devices feature the ability to increase the size of letters and images.
Magnifiers
There is a wide variety of magnifiers on the market according to the needs and tastes of the customers. Some of them are:
Handheld magnifiers
Bar magnifiers
Stand magnifiers
Chest magnifiers
Flat field magnifiers
Distance magnifiers
Electronic magnifiers
Video magnifiers
Many smartphones also have the capability to use the camera as a magnifier. Look under
TOOLS>GENERAL>ACCESSIBILITY
Lighting
Accommodating proper sources of light throughout the home could be very helpful. You could use lamps, brighter bulbs and even use sunlight to your advantage. On the other hand, if you have photophobia, reduce the amount of light in your home and avoid exposure to sunlight. You could wear sunglasses, a hat and/or visor both indoors and outdoors. In some cases, photophobia may become so severe that you can only tolerate being in a completely dark room.
Reading and writing
The following instruments could facilitate reading and writing:
Colored lenses and special papers for increased contrast
Special broad-tipped pens (writing pens)
Book holders
Book readers
Writing guides
Reading machines
Audiobooks and eBooks
Some publishers offer the alternative of books in audio format.
Many digitally downloaded books can be adjusted in size, brightness and contrast.
Apps for accessibility
There are multiple apps on the internet and on electronic devices that offer tools for people with visual or hearing impairments. Search online for "apps for accessibility" or in the app store of your device of choice.
Apps: KNFB Reader® ($99.99)
Be My Eyes® (free)
Daily use objects
There are many items that can better serve people with low vision or legal blindness:
Canes
Watches
Assistive tools
Warning indicators
Instruments to identify objects
TV accessories
Telescopic glasses
Other resources and alternatives
Ask your ophthalmologist about other alternatives available on the market.
Consult an optometrist for more information Visit a low vision center.
Puerto Rico Technology Assistance Program.
There is always an ever increasing amount of technological advances that help improve the quality of life of patients with visual impairment. It is very important to keep in touch with these advances as they can be of great benefit. For example, smartphones and tablets have become very popular devices in everyone's daily life. Not only are they very useful for modern life, but they also have many tools that improve the quality of life for people with impaired vision.
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