5 Ways to Handle Visual Impairment

The CDC has found that about 12 million Americans over the age of forty have some kind of visual impairment. In about 1 million of those cases, the impairment is sufficiently extreme to classify these people as blind.

Visual impairment exists on a spectrum. Depending on how serious a specific case is, different management techniques will be required. Although it can take some time to learn how to manage visual impairment, that time spent is an investment that will pay off every single day or years and decades to come.

Read on to learn all about how to manage the effects of visual impairment.

1. Learn to Rely on Contrast 

Some of the best ways to manage visual impairment are also the most subtle. For example, one technique is to arrange objects to maximize the contrast between them.

For example, if you are serving light-colored foods, it can help to place them on dark-colored plates. And the reverse goes for when you are serving dark-colored foods. As a result, it might be worth investing in both black and white plates.

The same idea can apply to other household objects like light switches.

Light switches are often designed to blend into walls. However, this is the opposite of the effect that you want. To counter this issue, install light switches of contrasting colors so that you can find them every time.

2. Focus on Effective Home Lighting 

Many people underestimate the importance of home lighting for the visually impaired. Make sure that you have all the lights you need in every room. If you need to, buy lamps and brighter light bulbs.

3. Pick the Right Kinds of Windows 

The glare on standard windows can be a problem for the visually impaired. Get window tints installed or invest in high-quality windows treated to reduce reflection.

4. Use the Right Books or Other Tools 

Instead of struggling with books with small words, find alternative options with large types. You can also use a magnifying glass to help you look at all kinds of small objects, including fine text.

5. Use Electronic Assistance

The Center for the Visually Impaired advises people to listen to audiobooks rather than struggle to read print books. There are also digital tools that command smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers to read on-screen text aloud.

Finding the right assistive technology for visually impaired people can require talking to experts and learning more about individual and family eye care.

Manage Visual Impairment: Preparation is Key

We hope that you learned something helpful from this brief article on how to minimize the effects of visual impairment. Everybody has unique challenges, which require unique solutions.

At the end of the day, the best strategy is to learn how to manage our challenges as effectively as possible.

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