This February is macular degeneration and low vision month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by millions of people around the world with these conditions. Last year, in the United States alone, nearly 20+ million people over 40 were diagnosed with a type of macular degeneration, and it is estimated that by the age of 75, about one in three people will have a form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Vision loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities in the US, and whether it is due to aging, injury, genetics, or disease, it can greatly impact daily life. Living with low vision can be stressful and difficult, but there are things you can do in your own home to help manage this. Implementing adaptations for your low vision can make a huge difference in your everyday life, transforming your home into a more comfortable and accessible place. Let’s take a look at four ways you can adapt your home for low vision—
Lighting Adaptation for Low Vision
Low lighting at home, whether it be in hallways, staircases, or over the stove, can be a big contributor to inaccessibility for individuals with vision loss. Replacing your current lights with LED lights, installing new lights in areas without them, and adding lamps are a great way to increase accessibility, reduce shadows, and improve low visibility.
Assistive Devices and Technology for Low Vision
In the modern age, nearly every device and feature in your home can be replaced by an assistive device or technology. Do you have trouble reading in your home? Is it difficult to control the thermostat or microwave using the small buttons? Is the signage on your TV or other devices too small? These things can be helped by using electronic talking or smart home devices. These assistive devices allow you to control your surroundings, including your home temperature, lighting, and more with just your voice. These devices can be crucial for those with low vision in creating and maintaining an easy and accessible home environment.
Color and Contrast Enhancements for Low Vision
Another issue that many individuals with visual impairments face is a difficulty distinguishing between like colors. This can happen in something as large as an 
entire room where the furniture and the walls are close in color, and in something as small as a television remote. Creating color and contrast enhancements throughout your home can greatly improve your ability to discern different items and location, even when the details aren’t clear. One way to do this on something small like the microwave or remote is to place brightly colored stickers or tape on the buttons so each has a different color. If you are dealing with a whole space that needs color contrast, you don’t have to invest in all new furniture—something as little as a different colored blanket placed on the end of a couch or chair can make a big difference.
Safety and Navigation for Low Vision
For folks with vision loss, slipping and falling at home can be a big fear. Luckily, there are a variety of accessibility features that can be easily added to a home that help with this. For example, if you have staircases in your home, installing a railing, non-slip covers on the stairs, or even a stairlift for those with more advanced vision loss can make going up and down floors easy and safe. Another very popular navigation tool is tactile labels on doorways, pieces of furniture, and even objects. These labels do not require any vision to understand, nor do they have to be in braille. They can be any kind of tactile symbol or word that will alert you to where you are, and can be done with tape, clay, and more. Get creative, and find what works for you!
This February, it is important to acknowledge those who deal with macular degeneration and low vision, and learn all you can about prevention for yourself, treatment, and how to help your loved ones with these conditions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AMD or another visual impairment, Delta Center is here to help you find the resources you need to live an independent and joyful life. We offer access to assistive technology,help you with advocacy in many aspects of your life, work with you to achieve your independence goals, and so much more. We are here for you, this month and every month.