Diabetes Related Vision Problems…

Diabetes Related Vision Problems | Eye Damage caused by Diabetes | Eye Care for Diabetics
Arizona, Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, AZ

Those suffering from diabetes and it's symptoms are at risk when it comes to poor or low vision. According to the American Diabetic Association (ADA) regular eye exams are important in order to reduce the risk of diabetes related eyesight issue. The most common diabetes related issues include: Glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels that support the eye. If you are concerned about your diabetes and potential loss of vision, please consider the following...


Temporary Vision Problems Caused by Diabetes
High blood sugar levels are common amongst diabetics. Increased blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to enlarge. This tends to change the shape of the eye lens and can lead to blurred vision. These temporary symptoms can usually be revised by getting blood sugar levels stabilized and under control.


More Serious Concerns for Eye Damage
Permanent damage can sometimes result from constant pressure and swelling of the eye. According to the ADA, people with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to have glaucoma, and 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts. The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that 40 to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some form of retinopathy. All of these conditions, left untreated, can lead to loss of vision, and eventually blindness.


Eye Care for Diabetics
The most important aspect of eye care for the diabetic is to seek regular eye exams. Consistent professional eye care will help prevent and/or control diabetes related vision problems before they become too serious. Controlling the symptoms of diabetes, especially high blood sugar levels, can halt the progression of many eye problems. Treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions may include medication, laser projections and surgery.


Other Diabetes Related Vision Risk Factors 
Obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol can increase eye problems resulting from diabetes. If you want to preserve your vision, adopt a more healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising and avoiding harmful substances and/or smoking.

What are the Most Common Causes of Low Vision?

Low Vision | Cloudy Vision | Vision affected by Diabetes
AZ, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona

Eye diseases or conditions may be responsible for visual impairment.
Some of the more common causes include:

Macular Degeneration - A disorder that affects the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye where images are focused.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Vision and/or visual functioning can fluctuate from day to day as a result of diabetes.  Diabetes can cause blood vessels that nourish the retina to develop tiny, abnormal branches that leak.


Retinitis Pigmentosa - Retinitis pigmentosa gradually destroys night vision, severely reduces side vision, and may result in total impairment. An inherited disease, it usually produces its first symptom—night blindness—in childhood or adolescence.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) - Previously known as retrolental fibroplasia, retinopathy of prematurity occurs in infants born prematurely and is caused by high oxygen levels in incubators during the critical neonatal period.

Retinal Detachment - Retinal detachment may result in total impairment in the detached area of the affected eye.

Cataracts - A cataract is a clouding of part or all of the lens inside the eye. This clouding interferes with light reaching the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a generalized loss of vision.

Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a form of damage to the optic nerve, which can result in vision impairment.

Acquired (Traumatic) Brain Injury - Vision can also be lost or damaged as a result of head injuries, brain damage and stroke.

Click here to read full details on these common causes of low or impaired vision. If you suffer from low vision, don't take a chance, contact a local eye doctor in Arizona that specializes in treating the visually impaired.

What is Low Vision?

Visual Impairment | Low Vision | Difficulty Seeing
AZ, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Arizona

Low vision exists when any condition affecting the eye and visual system challenges a patient, reduces their vision, and limits their ability to perform necessary daily tasks and also enjoy those things that bring quality and pleasure to their lives. 


When ordinary eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery or intraocular implants cannot provide sharp vision, an individual is said to have low vision. Macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa, along with many other eye diseases, are causes of visual impairment or low vision.  People with decreased vision still have useful vision and should seek out the care of an eye doctor who specializes in vision rehabilitation. 


Low vision may present itself as: a loss of central vision, loss of peripheral or side vision, blurred vision, extreme sensitivity to light, and night blindness. Patients frequently cannot read, identify the faces of family and friends, play cards, watch TV, use a computer, drive a car, see the food on their plates or their faces in a mirror.


For more information about these visual challenges visit our website or call to schedule an appointment to improve your vision at 480.924.8755.

Computer Accessibility Options For the Visually Impaired

Large Print Keyboards | Low Vision Computer Modification
Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, AZ, Arizona


With today’s computer systems all visually impaired people, including people who are totally blind, should be able to use a computer.


Hardware & Software Changes to Increase Visibility:

• Large print keyboards. ViewFinder stocks a large selection of large print keyboards and large print key overlays.
• Increasing monitor size will increase magnification.
• Most computer operating systems (Windows, Apple) have features that change the settings for increased visibility.
• ViewFinder carries a large selection of computer enlargement software that can be added to your computer.

Visit ViewFinder Low Vision Resource Center's website to receive free instructions on how to modify your computer for greater visibility and learn more about in-home computer modification assistance and training.

Lighting Needs for Low Vision Issues

Low Vision Lighting | Tasks Lamps | Photophobia
AZ, Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Arizona

While many low vision patients experience photophobia or are very glare sensitive, they also require a tremendous amount of light to perform tasks with their low vision aids. The correct use of lighting is just as important as using the correct low vision aid. If a person is able to read outside with their back to the sun but cannot read in their home, they most likely do not have the correct lighting. 


Viewfinder Low Vision Resource Center has a large selection of reading and task lamps. We also have a selection of portable lamps that can be taken to restaurants, card games and other activities. The best type of lamp is a goose-neck lamp that directs the light directly over the shoulder while reading. This will give enough light on the reading material but will not cause glare. A lamp that is placed to the side, or on a side table, may be a source of glare and shadows. Good direct task light is also important for seeing food while eating, working in the shop or in the kitchen. Have portable lights or flashlights to help with dark areas in the home.

Help For Light Sensitive Eyes...

Light Sensitivity | Glare Control | Photophobia
Arizona, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Glendale AZ

Photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light and glare can be a severe problem for many low vision patients. Many eye diseases can create intraocular light scatter which can significantly reduce effective vision. The eyes become hypersensitive to what the normal eye sees only as moderate glare. The shorter wavelength, high-energy part of the visible spectrum dominates daylight and is a contributor to glare. Glare control can be a problem both indoors and outdoors.


Many low vision patients complain of intense light sensitivity and hazy vision when visual function is impaired by glare and loss of contrast. Sensitivity to light and glare can be reduced with a number of prescribed low vision aids. Special glasses and tints will also increase contrast sense which will also increase visual acuity.


There are a large variety of tints or filters with varying degrees of light transmission and contrast enhancement to reduce the sensitivity to light and glare. To read more about these products click here

Driving With Low or Impaired Vision in Arizona

Bioptic Telescope | Driving with Visual Impairment | Ability to Drive
Arizona, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, AZ

The ability to drive is a privilege that many of us take for granted. Driving affords us extended freedom of mobility and greatly enhances our quality of life. Visually impaired individuals can feel restricted and isolated when faced with losing their ability to drive.


A Bioptic Telescope can restore driving freedom to visually impaired adults. Arizona is one of 41 states that will grant a driver’s license to some visually impaired people when they drive using a bioptic telescope. Driving with a visual impairment while using bioptic telescopes is a very important personal decision that should be made collaboratively by the individual, the low vision eye specialist, and the motor vehicle department. To find out if you are a good candidate for driving with a bioptic device, make an appointment at ViewFinder Low Vision Center by clicking here.


Read more about Bioptic Telescopes here