Adjusting to life with vision loss and steps to take after your diagnosis

Adjusting to life with vision loss will present new challenges. Getting support is key to maintaining your independence. The most important thing to know is that having vision loss does not mean you need to stop doing the things that you enjoy, it only means that you need to learn new ways to do these things differently.

Here are some steps that you can take to help you adjust.

Understanding your diagnosis

Some of the most common eye conditions causing vision loss are: 

• Age-related macular degeneration – an eye condition that causes central vision loss, including dark patches in your vision and distorted vision.
• Glaucoma – when damage to the optic nerve causes gradual vision loss and a loss of peripheral (side) vision.
• Cataracts – clouding in the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
• Retinal vascular occlusion – when one of the veins in the retina becomes blocked, which can cause blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye.
• Diabetic retinopathy – an eye condition that can cause blurred vision or patchy vision as a complication of diabetes.
  

After being diagnosed with vision loss, you may struggle to fully understand your condition. To learn more about your eye condition, it is best to speak with your eyecare provider and ask them any questions that you may have about your condition. You might want to get a friend or family member to accompany you to make notes and to be there for support. 

Get in touch with a low vision care provider

There are various agencies in Australia providing care for people experiencing low vision, including Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs has a team of multidisciplinary low vision specialists who can work with you to find solutions to best meet your needs. 

Seeing a low vision orthoptist can help you to understand your level of ‘functional vision’, which determines your level of vision loss and the amount of remaining vision you use for everyday life. An orthoptist can recommend strategies and low vision aids to better navigate daily life. 

Navigating technology can be daunting, especially with vision loss. Our free digital skills program Get Online, Get Connected can help you to discover new features on your phone or computer, stay safe online and avoid scams, or just make it easier to do everyday tasks like online banking or chatting with friends and family.

Having an assessment by an Orientation and Mobility specialist can help you to move safely and efficiently within the community despite vision loss. An Occupational Therapist can support you to do everyday tasks and hobbies safely.

Seeking support

Coming to terms with life with sight loss can have an impact on your mental health and emotional wellbeing. If you think you may be depressed, speak with your GP about treatment options.

Counselling or speaking with a psychologist can be a good opportunity to share your feelings, questions, and concerns, and to develop strategies for coping with your change in vision.