By
Kristine Dwyer, LSW, Staff Writer
Martha
and Ken were married for more than 45 years when
Ken began showing signs of multiple sclerosis.
As the disease progressed and his caregiving
needs increased, Martha found her own health
status changing. She was having more difficulty
breathing and she began to notice a decrease in
her vision. Over the next two years, Ken became
confined to a wheelchair and Martha was
diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease) and put on daily oxygen. Her
eyesight continued to deteriorate to the point
of near blindness. She was no longer able to
drive, read the mail, see recipes or the print
on prescription bottles. Photos were blurry,
bills were late and Martha was unable to manage
her correspondence or even read her Bible. Her
world had sharply narrowed and depression
quickly set in. How was she going to safely care
for Ken without her sight? There was
turmoil in their lives and they were at risk of
losing their independence!
A social worker was referred to Martha and Ken
to make a visit and assess their current needs.
The social worker then set up a home visit with
a low vision specialist to meet with Martha. He
was able to offer her support, education and an
opportunity to try some video magnifying
equipment to enhance her remaining vision.
The results were astonishing! A month later,
Martha revealed, with tears in her eyes, that
she had been given her life back. The desktop
video magnifier she purchased had allowed her to
once again read the newspaper, see her mail,
write out checks for their bills, understand the
words on medication bottles, work puzzles,
string beads for her jewelry hobby and even
clearly see the photograph of her new great
grandchild. She boasted how she was now able to
read three hours a day and had gained a new
lease on life. The positive impact on her
ability to care for Ken was becoming obvious as
she set up his pillbox, reviewed his medical
insurance forms and then prepared his favorite
dessert recipe.
Low vision can vary with each individual and may
be a result of a birth defect, eye injuries, the
aging process or diseases such as macular
degeneration or diabetes. Age-related macular
degeneration, for example, is the leading cause
of central vision loss in people over age 55 and
accounts for more than 45 percent of all low
vision cases.
Advancements in technology have now allowed
those with low vision the opportunity to “see”
again. The goal of producing high quality video
magnifiers is to help those with low or
diminishing vision to remain independent and
active. They are mostly used for reading, but
can also be used for writing, viewing maps or
even filling a syringe. Video magnifiers are a
step beyond the hand magnifier, which allows
only a few words to be seen at a time vs. whole
sentences, paragraphs or columns. Words or
photos are magnified from two to 50 times their
original size in comparison to the handheld
magnifier that generally offers only 15 to 20
times magnification.
The video magnifier is its own television
system (closed-circuit television – CCTV). The
most common type is intended for use on a
desktop or other work surface. Printed material,
photographs or objects are placed under a camera
and the magnified image is displayed onto a
television screen or computer monitor. The user
can then magnify and focus the image until it is
large enough to be clearly seen. The entire unit
can be controlled with a single button and can
be customized to meet each person’s needs. Color
and black and white viewers are both available;
however, more specific information is received
from the color viewer. An orange fruit,
for example, can be clearly identified in color,
yet in black and white it looks like a ball.
Other vision enhancing products that are
available are computer magnification software,
hand-held pocket electronic magnifiers, and
other products for accessible scanning and
reading.
Magnifying machines may be the best kept
secret for improving low vision. They have been
on the market for over 20 years, yet are not
widely sought after. One initial deterrent may
be the price, but the benefits can far outweigh
the cost. A new machine may cost from $1000 to
$3000, but resale options are very positive. The
price depends on the quality of the image,
flexibility of the magnification, size of the
screen, ease of use and extra features. In some
states, county programs will contribute payment
toward a video magnifier for clients, especially
if it will help them remain independent at home.
Payment support may also be attained through
state agencies such as the State Services for
the Blind, personal savings, bank loans, Lions
Clubs or financial gifts from family
and relatives.
Many benefits can be achieved with a desktop
video magnifier. These include independent
living, management of personal affairs,
increased knowledge and safety, and the ability
to continue in one’s job and career. Some people
are even able to have a machine at home and at
their office to maximize their visual success in
both settings. Those who benefit the most seem
to be caregivers with low vision and single
individuals that have to totally rely on
themselves for safe and independent living.
Vision specialists do caution potential buyers
that the video magnifier may not work for
everyone due to variances in visual acuity or
multiple disabilities. It is strongly
recommended that an individual tests a machine
or takes advantage of a short trial at home
before making a purchase. As a general guide, if
someone can read the largest headline in the
newspaper, then a video magnifier is likely to
be of use to them.
Low vision no longer has to keep people from
enjoying the activities they once took for
granted. It can clearly be seen that caregivers
and others with limited vision can receive daily
benefits when their world is magnified!
Advances in vision technology have produced the
potential for significant life changes with the
use of video magnifiers. Experience life again
through “new eyes!”
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