Visual impairment is one of the top 10 causes of disability in America. If you have vision loss, you may feel frustrated performing everyday activities. Visual rehabilitation is one way to improve quality of life in people with vision loss.
Two national studies done at VA rehabilitation centers evaluated the effectiveness of rehab programs at varying stages of visual impairment. The teams used in these centers consisted of a physician, an optometrist, a psychologist, a social worker, nurses, and blind rehabilitation therapists. Subjects included persons diagnosed with macular degeneration, other retinal degenerations, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, neurologic disorders, cataract, trauma, and retinal detachment.
The results showed that there was a significant decline in visual ability between the three-month follow-up and the 12-month follow-up. However, there was significant improvement in ability to perform daily functions after 12 months when compared with testing done before the subjects completed the rehab program.
The study was limited by the fact that the investigators did not adjust for age, other medical conditions the subjects may have had, and the visual acuity of each subject. Additionally, a control group was not used. Studying control subjects could have helped explain changes in health status and mental health in the absence of a rehab program. Still, it appears that future research will show that you can improve your ability to function daily in spite of visual impairment.
For more information, "Short- and Long-Term Effects of an Intensive Inpatient Vision Rehabilitaion Program," Stelmack, J OD; Moran, D MA; Dean, D MA; Massof, R PhD, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol 88, pgs 691-695 (June 2007).
Sign In | Join Disaboom Today!
Popular Blog Posts
