Eye Disorders and Practical Implications

 

Cataract, xerophthalmia, corneal scarring and trachoma

These are disorders of the lens and cornea which can produce slight blurring to total blindness.

Action

good contrast avoid glare spectacles (if they can improve vision) magnifying glasses for short distances (corneal conditions) try high magnification for both distance and near aphakic children

Glaucoma

Often first problems show with poor mobility and poor vision (bumping into objects) in darkness because of loss of peripheral visual field.

Action

teach scanning skills if usual field is restricted if field very small change reading technique- move the text so that it is always visible through central area

Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Albinism, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), Age-related and Juvenile Macular Degeneration

Action

good lighting important decrease glare increase contrast field defects possible (regular and irregular), and therefore cause problems in detailed work and or mobility magnification possible for short and distance work problems seeing details, reading difficult

Optic Atrophy

Visual field can be restricted, and therefore problems with detailed work and/or mobility may be needed to teach reading technique.

Action

good contrast good illumination try magnification

Checkpoint:

List three ways of assisting a person who has glaucoma

List three ways of assisting a person who has retinal problems