Supervised by Dr. Lauren
Scharff
Stephen F. Austin State University
This entire paper contains several sections: Introduction, Changes in Vision and Their Effects, Impact of Low Vision, Available Services, Obstacles to Services, the Need for Additional Services and an Interdisciplinary Approach, and References.
It is well known that our bodies change as we develop throughout life. It is also well known that those changes include impairments of our bodies' systems with older age. One system that experiences impairing changes with older age is the human visual system. Changes in the eyes and the visual pathways of the brain impair the vision of elderly persons in ways that can significantly disable them, and can prevent the elderly from living independent lifestyles. Most communities have organizations that offer services to help the elderly modify their lifestyles so that they may continue the activities they enjoy. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles to obtaining and using these services, including finances, knowledge of the services, and the knowledge of service providers. Many of these obstacles could be overcome if professionals would take a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue of age-related low vision. The rehabilitation of senior citizens with low vision should involve professionals from several disciplines, including general physicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, rehabilitation specialists, and in-home care providers. Without the interactions of professionals from all these disciplines, the low-vision elderly receive ineffective treatment and continue to struggle to function in inappropriate environments.
This paper is a project designed to make others aware of the issues surrounding changing vision in the elderly. Information for this project was drawn from personal experience, interviews, and literary research of recent journal articles and on-line resources.
The first section of the paper, Changes in Vision and Their Effects, will discuss the anatomical and neurological changes the human visual system undergoes during age as well as the effects these changes have on visual functioning.
The second section, Impact of Low Vision, discusses the ways that these changes impact the daily lives of senior citizens. Four main areas of daily impact will be discussed: driving, social activities, health care, and self-care.
The third section, Available Services, will again discuss the four main areas of daily impact by listing services available to senior citizens to help them overcome their visual impairments.
Obstacles to Services is the fourth section, which will discuss the barriers senior citizens face when seeking assistance.
The final section, the Need for Additional Services and an Interdisciplinary Approach, will discuss the services that still need to be provided to better serve senior citizens with age-related low vision and will describe the reasons why a multi-disciplinary approach to vision and aging is necessary.