A collection of uncommon eye conditions is known as inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD). You could have light sensitivity, hazy vision, or difficulty seeing colors if you have IRD. You could eventually lose some or all of your vision.
There is no cure for IRD, despite significant advancements in therapy. These are some actions you can do to maximize your remaining sight.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are an excellent method to detect early vision loss or monitor changes in your sight. Your eyes speak volumes about your general health.
There are two kinds of tests that you can require if you have IRD:
Routine eye exam. These exams ought to be provided even to those without IRD. Children often require one annually, while adults might be able to go every two years. However, your ophthalmologist will advise you on how frequently to visit.
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will probably check the following during an eye exam:
General health of your retina
How well you see up close or far away
Your central or side vision (peripheral)
The surface and back of your eye
If you can tell the difference between colors
Low vision exam. IRD is diagnosed with certain testing; you won't require these drawn-out examinations frequently. However, when your vision changes, your doctor may examine you for particular low vision problems. These appointments typically go longer than a standard eye checkup.
Your eye doctor will examine your eyes during a low vision examination. However, they'll also consider how IRD impacts your day-to-day activities, such as:
How well you see inside and outside
If you can easily watch television
If you can see images and text on a computer screen
If you have trouble seeing details, like reading books or threading a needle
It's crucial that you visit a low vision specialist optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have IRD so they can evaluate your needs. Ask your eye doctor for recommendations or look up "low vision clinic near me" online to locate a specialist in your area.
Additionally, lists of poor vision experts are available online via:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology directory
The APH Directory of Services (American Printing House for the Blind)
The Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals
The American Occupational Therapy Association
Learn Orientation and Mobility Training
IRD may affect your way of navigating the environment. For instance, poor vision increases the likelihood of running into objects or falling. Additionally, research indicates that those with visual issues are less active and spend more time at home.
The good news is that you may become accustomed to living with vision impairments. Request a referral to a low vision rehabilitation program from your physician. There, you'll work with experts who will instruct you on how to make safe use of your existing sense of sight in addition to your other senses.
Mobility and orientation training can assist you in doing daily tasks such as:
Cross the street
Walk around indoors
Figure out which direction you’re facing
Balance so you don’t trip
Exercise
You can also learn to:
Use public transportation
Move with canes and other devices
Find your way through public places
Get on elevators
Make your way through crowds
Tell your low vision rehab specialist exactly what spaces you need help navigating. They’ll help you find ways to move safely no matter where you need to go.
Use Low Vision Aids
These are products or services that make things easier to see or read. They might enhance images by making them bigger, brighter, or sharper. Some devices can read text to you.
A low vision specialist can help you find out what kind of tool will help you most. However, if you have a lot of daily tasks to complete, these tools might be quite helpful. This might involve doing things like watching TV, taking notes, driving, cooking, or reading a book.
Low vision assistive equipment might consist of:
Optical magnifiers. These gadgets improve your vision by using special lenses. Among the instances are:
Handheld, video, or stand magnifier
Magnifying reading glasses
Clip-on telescope for your glasses
Monocular or binoculars
Electronic devices. For those who have limited vision, there are several sophisticated technologies available. Among the instances are:
Portable or desktop digital magnifiers
Tablets or laptops
Screen-to-text speech readers
Low vision websites or smartphone apps
Additionally, make use of any smartphone features that assist with low eyesight. For instance, you may enlarge text lines or zoom in on the entire screen with the majority of these gadgets. In order to make things easier on your eyes, you may also change the contrast and brightness.
Wear Sunglasses or Tinted Lenses
Select clothing that blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation can damage your retina or exacerbate vision loss. Certain individuals with IRD may have severe problems with blue light, such as that found in computer screens or the sun. To block out more of this type of light, choose for sunglasses with brown or amber lenses.
Particularly sensitive to both indoor and outdoor light are some IRD patients. It's known as photophobia. Red-tinted contact lenses could reduce eye strain, enhance eyesight, and improve these people's quality of life. To find out if they're right for you, ask your doctor.
Get Better Lighting
When reading or seeing objects, people with IRD frequently require more light than people without impaired vision.
Consult a low vision professional if you're unsure about how to make your lights better. They can go over specific equipment meant for low vision individuals. This could involve using lamps or lightbulbs with unique effects to simulate natural sunshine, lessen glare, increase contrast, or make text easier to read.
What Else Can You Do?
Continue talking with your ophthalmologist. They will inform you of all available treatment choices, including gene treatments specific to your type of IRD.
Additionally, if you would like to participate in a clinical trial, let your doctor know. It's possible that you can obtain newly approved drugs.
Your name can be added to the My Retina Tracker Registry as well. The target audience for this research database is individuals with IRD and their families. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a nonprofit organization that supports this free service.
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