<----This is the view that you could possibly see if you had Macular Degeneration. Macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD- age related macular degeneration) is the leading cause of vision loss in the Western world. So as an ATP, we need to know
about this dreaded disease. There are two types of AMD- Dry (atrophic) or Wet (exudative).
In brief, dry type of AMD is the slow deterioration of the retina with the formation of small yellow deposits (drusen) in the macular region. The accumulation of drusen leads to the thinning of the macular tissues, causing distortions in vision that initially appear as wavelike.
The wet form of AMD is more aggressive and threatening to one’s vision. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. The new blood vessels may bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, distorting or destroying the central vision. This may cause rapid or severe vision loss.
To learn more about Macular Degeneration:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284
http://www.eyesight.org/ - Macular Degeneration Foundation
A dear friend of mine, with AMD had to quite her job as an operating room nurse because of her loss of sight. She can no longer hike alone, which she loves to do. Nor can she enjoy those romance novels. However, she is a patient at a research facility and the medical procedures seem to be slowing the progression of vision loss.
In addition to my personal interest in Macular Degeneration, our class case study focused on this issue…….
Richard, our class case study, has Macular Degeneration, and needs assistance with vision. Particularly he has difficulty reading and recognizing faces. He does not like to tilt his head in order to see. Thus, I did some research at Closing the Gap. I discovered a whole range of visual aids from simple devices as hand held magnify glasses to the video enhanced vision systems, such as the NuVision from Keeler. This product review peaked my interest with comments such as “this breakthrough now allows many who are legally blind to see up close and at a distance with possible life changing results.”
In brief, dry type of AMD is the slow deterioration of the retina with the formation of small yellow deposits (drusen) in the macular region. The accumulation of drusen leads to the thinning of the macular tissues, causing distortions in vision that initially appear as wavelike.
The wet form of AMD is more aggressive and threatening to one’s vision. Abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. The new blood vessels may bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift up, distorting or destroying the central vision. This may cause rapid or severe vision loss.
To learn more about Macular Degeneration:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284
http://www.eyesight.org/ - Macular Degeneration Foundation
A dear friend of mine, with AMD had to quite her job as an operating room nurse because of her loss of sight. She can no longer hike alone, which she loves to do. Nor can she enjoy those romance novels. However, she is a patient at a research facility and the medical procedures seem to be slowing the progression of vision loss.
In addition to my personal interest in Macular Degeneration, our class case study focused on this issue…….
Richard, our class case study, has Macular Degeneration, and needs assistance with vision. Particularly he has difficulty reading and recognizing faces. He does not like to tilt his head in order to see. Thus, I did some research at Closing the Gap. I discovered a whole range of visual aids from simple devices as hand held magnify glasses to the video enhanced vision systems, such as the NuVision from Keeler. This product review peaked my interest with comments such as “this breakthrough now allows many who are legally blind to see up close and at a distance with possible life changing results.”
Therefore, I began my internet journey, which lasted for several hours, as I was unaware that such technology existed. Dr. Townsend compares three similar Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) in his article What’s New and Improved in Low Vision Devices? (Check out the article for a whole array of new Low Vision AT and bookmark the website, “Review of Optometry” as a resource for future. Dr. Townsend’s describes these devices as “a focusing system that allows patients to keep their head at a comfortable angle and work at a comfortable distance”. So ok now we are now covering one of Richard's problems. Not to mention that he would be able to see to read and recognize people.
But I still had no idea what the NuVision looked like and Richard seems to be a very self-conscious individual. ……… (**see picture above)
This might take some getting adjusted for Richard to wear this to Church. Not for me, I am a real Trekee. This strange looking pair of “glasses” offers the wearer the equivalent of watching a 62” wide-screen TV from only 6 feet away. The NuVision is compatible with computers, televisions, video cameras, and DVDs and can switch between color and b&w. It can focus from 6 inches to optical infinity.
NuVision by Keeler is one of several brands, so I would suggest making a comparison of models before making a recommendation. Also, it seems that the technology is changing so frequently that new models appear yearly. These CCTV’s are normally purchased through an Optical Care Center, but I did find one for sale on the internet at http://www.ocusource.com/main.cfm?page=shop&topic=product&productid=1250 for
2,995.00. The article in Closing the Gap reports that NuVision costs $3995.00.
That is a lot of money but I would be happy to pay that for my daughter who is fast approaching the day of needing such a device.
NuVision and other CTTVs are viable solutions for people suffering from other eye disorders including Diabetic Retinopathy, Optic Atrophy, Glaucoma, High Myopia, Achromatopsia, Nystagmus, Albinism and others.
But I still had no idea what the NuVision looked like and Richard seems to be a very self-conscious individual. ……… (**see picture above)
This might take some getting adjusted for Richard to wear this to Church. Not for me, I am a real Trekee. This strange looking pair of “glasses” offers the wearer the equivalent of watching a 62” wide-screen TV from only 6 feet away. The NuVision is compatible with computers, televisions, video cameras, and DVDs and can switch between color and b&w. It can focus from 6 inches to optical infinity.
NuVision by Keeler is one of several brands, so I would suggest making a comparison of models before making a recommendation. Also, it seems that the technology is changing so frequently that new models appear yearly. These CCTV’s are normally purchased through an Optical Care Center, but I did find one for sale on the internet at http://www.ocusource.com/main.cfm?page=shop&topic=product&productid=1250 for
2,995.00. The article in Closing the Gap reports that NuVision costs $3995.00.
That is a lot of money but I would be happy to pay that for my daughter who is fast approaching the day of needing such a device.
NuVision and other CTTVs are viable solutions for people suffering from other eye disorders including Diabetic Retinopathy, Optic Atrophy, Glaucoma, High Myopia, Achromatopsia, Nystagmus, Albinism and others.
4 comments:
Carol,
Thanks so much for providing the very useful information on macular degeneration! I really enjoyed the information your provided. The device you found would be useful for Richard, and it seems really practical, despite the outer appearance, it could help him read.
Also, thanks for the picture of the device!
Carol
This device seems similar to the Jordy (probably named after the Star Trek hero). It does seem to be an excellent, albeit expensive device as it would be useful for both reading and face recognition.
I have a friend who uses a Jordy and is capable of living independently and being the primary caregiver for his mother, who has alzheimers! It has truly made him independent.
The reason I did not chose this for Richard was due to his personal issues with not wanting to draw attention to himself, which I am afraid this device might do.
I can see the benefits for those who are able to put their independence before their vanity.
I agree Helen that Richard might not use these in the beginning. But I thought maybe he could use them just in the house for reading and watching TV. Does anyone have any ideas on how to help a person get past the self conciousness and enjoy life with the AT?
I love the concrete information you provided us with Carol. How neat that you selected an article that enriches our learning with the assingments.
While I do find the 3500 dollar price quite steep, if it does what it advocates, wow!! Some of us pay that price, and get on payment plans to get braces.
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