Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services: Eye Condition

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Our mission is to provide support, resources, and services to individuals who are visually impaired or blind. We believe that knowledge is power, and understanding eye conditions can help in managing and living with vision impairments. Below, you will find important facts about common eye conditions.

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinitis Pigmentosa

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. This condition commonly affects older adults, but can also develop in younger individuals. The primary symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, difficulty with bright lights, seeing halos around lights, and colors appearing faded. As the condition progresses, everyday activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces can become challenging. Treatment typically involves cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one. This procedure is widely performed and has a high success rate.

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic - Cataracts or watch this Educational Video: Cataracts Explained.

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to high eye pressure. This damage is often irreversible and can lead to blindness if not treated. Early symptoms of glaucoma may be subtle, including gradual loss of peripheral vision, which often goes unnoticed. In advanced stages, individuals may experience tunnel vision. Treatments for glaucoma aim to lower eye pressure and may include eye drops, medications, laser treatment, or surgery. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management.

For more details, check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology - Glaucoma or watch this Educational Video: Understanding Glaucoma.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, and is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Symptoms include blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and straight lines appearing wavy. Although there is no cure for AMD, treatments such as medications, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression and manage symptoms.

For more information, visit the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or watch this Educational Video: Macular Degeneration.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Symptoms include spots or dark strings floating in vision (floaters), blurred vision, fluctuating vision, and vision loss. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Treatments may include laser treatment, vitrectomy, and injections.

For more details, visit the National Eye Institute - Diabetic Retinopathy or watch this Educational Video: Diabetic Retinopathy.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. It often begins in childhood and progresses over time. Early symptoms include difficulty seeing at night and loss of side (peripheral) vision. As the disease progresses, individuals may also lose their central vision. Although there is no cure for RP, vision aids, medications, and vitamin A supplements can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.

For more information, visit the Foundation Fighting Blindness - Retinitis Pigmentosa or watch this Educational Video: Retinitis Pigmentosa.

At Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services, we offer a variety of programs and services to support individuals with these and other eye conditions. Our services include counseling and support groups, which provide emotional support and community connection. We also offer rehabilitation and training to help individuals develop skills for daily living and employment. Additionally, we provide assistive technology tools and devices to enhance independence, and education and outreach programs to offer information sessions and resources for individuals and families.

If you or a loved one are experiencing vision loss or have been diagnosed with an eye condition, contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.

Phone:  904-474-9768
Email:  contactus@floridavbs.org 

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Thank you for visiting Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with vision impairments.