Low vision rehabilitation and diabetic retinopathy

ABSTRACT

Diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a major cause of blindness. Diabetic retinopathy calls for a multidisciplinary to the patients. Management of the patient requires a team work by the internist, diabetologist, dietician, ophthalmologist and low vision therapist. Diabetic retinopathy very often results in vision loss. It is important for ophthalmologists to recognize the importance of low vision rehabilitation in formulating appropriate treatment strategies. People with vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy usually experience difficulty in daily life. Most people with diabetic retinopathy [who have remaining useful vision] can be helped with low vision devices. However, often one low vision device may not be suitable for all purposes. A comprehensive low vision evaluation is required to assess the person's current visual status, identify the goals and visual needs, and then design an individualized vision rehabilitation program to meet these needs