Seminar: February 25, 2006
Low Vision Fair a Hands-On Success
On February 25, a low vision fair featuring the latest technologies and specialty products available to assist people with low vision was held at the Tucson Convention Center. Sponsored by Retina Associates Southwest in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation, the fair was free and open to the public.
The event was well-attended by over 400 seniors with macular degeneration, along with their loved ones and caregivers. Product demonstrations really showed the value the low vision aids could provide to people with the disease, and attendees were encouraged to test the products for themselves.
Macular DegenerationAge related macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness and visual impairment in American adults over 65, and nearly 15 million people are affected. Surprisingly, however, according to a recent survey commissioned by AMD Alliance International, 58 percent of people in the United States were not at all familiar with the disease.
Macular degeneration causes deterioration of the macula, resulting in a loss of sharp, central vision. An impaired macula prevents a person from clearly seeing objects straight ahead, such as words on a page; television or the faces of loved ones. At its worst, sufferers of macular degeneration have only very limited peripheral vision.
Receiving the DiagnosisWhen people receive this diagnosis, they are often frightened and confused, they usually do not know anything about macular degeneration and many do not know anyone who has the disease. It is very important to become knowledgeable about support services so that people can remain independent and continue to do things for themselves.