Web Site Offers Information On Vision Changes

• Increased sensitivity to glare: Being able to see clearly when exposed to reflected light or bright sunlight-especially outdoors on a sunny day or in a hallway with highly polished floors-may require filtered lenses or other adaptations to control glare and to see the environment clearly.

• Increased lighting requirements: Many older adults require three to four times more light than they did previously to perform certain types of everyday activities.

• More time required to adjust to bright light and/or darkness: Adjusting to changes in light levels between bright and dark areas can take two to three times longer than it used to.

• Reduced contrast sensitivity: Difficulties seeing an object clearly against a background of the same color becomes more difficult and requires stronger contrast to make it "stand out."

• Decreased depth perception: Difficulties judging distances accurately requires close attention to safety cues such as color, contrast and lighting.

• Decreased ability to focus close-up: As the eye muscles that control the switching of focus from far to near begin to lose flexibility, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading a newspaper, writing or sewing.

A new Web site-called VisionAWARE-offers a wealth of free information on eye conditions; blindness and low vision; how to locate vision rehabilitation services and professionals; how to cope with the emotional impact of vision loss; how to maximize all your senses; how to make simple adaptations for taking care of yourself and your home; how to adapt your computer; how to continue enjoying sports, crafts and other leisure and recreational activities; and how to find a vast range of invaluable informational and special equipment resources.

The VisionAWARE site was specifically designed for blind and low-vision adults and their families and caregivers, and was developed with support provided by Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation.

To learn more, visit www.visionaware.org. A new Web site offers a wealth of information on eye conditions and dealing with age-related vision changes.

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