Common Diagnoses
Glaucoma
Symptoms do not appear in the beginning, so it is important to check interocular pressure regularly. Overtime there is a decrease in peripheral vision. Eyedrops are taken to regulate the flow of the eye fluid.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Leaks in blood vessels that cause varying vision loss. Laser treatment may prevent new development. May also be affected by glare and eye pain.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Will never cause total blindness, but will affect central vision. Unable to see details. More sudden. Caused by abnormal leaky vessels. Receives injections in eyes. Occupational therapy trains to see around the blind spots.
Dry Macular Degeneration
Will never cause total blindness, but will affect central vision. Unable to see details. Progressive overtime. No known cause or cure. Vision may go in and out of blind spots. Occupational therapy trains to look around blind spots.
Cataracts
Blurry overall vision within the lens. Dulls colors and details. There may be double vision. Treated by surgery where lens is removed and replaced by intraocular lens.
Facts to know!
Bioptic driving is illegal in the state of Connecticut. It is illegal for occupational therapists in the state of Connecticut to prescribe eye exercises to clients. Occupational therapists are only allowed to give out magnifiers with an eye doctor's referral.