Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye diseases that complicate diabetes. The visual impairments that result from diabetic retinopathy can be very frustrating for individuals and pose many barriers to accomplishing daily routines of diabetes care. The following tips may make life with limited vision a little easier:
Lamps and magnifiers
People are often surprised how helpful the right type of lamp or magnifier can be in making the most of their remaining vision. These products are useful for activities done at close range, like reading medication labels, pill sorting, or inserting a strip into a blood glucose meter. The best choice for a lamp is one that has a flexible gooseneck or adjustable arm. This allows the person to point the light directing at the object. Many people with limited vision prefer low-glare, fluorescent or halogen light bulbs. Regular, incandescent bulbs may produce to much glare.
There are also a variety of magnifiers to choose from. Magnifiers can be handheld, mounted on an adjustable arm, or have a light attached to light up the filed of the magnifier. The main benefit of mounted magnifiers is that they leave both hands free so individuals can draw up insulin, or perform other tasks that require two hands.
Most of us rely on watches and clocks to keep us on schedule. There is an assortment of large print, talking, and/or vibrating watches which have various features, all for the person with impaired vision. Some models have expanded features that announce the date or temperature, which is an important considerations when deciding whether or not to refrigerate insulin.
Labeling systems
A variety of creative labeling systems for medications can help the visually impaired diabetic remain compliant with their medication regimen. Some pharmacies, when asked, will make large-print or Braille labels for prescription medications they dispense. Alternatively, the pharmacy may dispense different medications in different shaped bottles. For example, Lasix would always go in a small, thin bottle, while digoxin will always be in a tall, wide bottle. Labeling or dispensing requirements should always be noted in the computerized database at the pharmacy to provide consistent service. Other very simple methods for identifying medications are to place one or more rubber bands around the different pill containers. Another very common way to mark the pill containers is to use the mailing labels sold in office supply stores. Large-print labels can be made on any computer or by using a permanent marker. Three dimensional fabric paint can also be used to label containers. This allows the lettering to be sensed with the fingertips and read with the eyes.
Pill sorting devices
Pillboxes provide an excellent method for sorting pills. Most contain 7 bins, one for each day of the week, with additional bins to accommodate multiple dosing through out the day. A variety of sizes and configurations are available at the local drug store.
Life with a visual impairment may be much easier with simple, inexpensive aides and techniques. The development of diabetic retinopathy however, is not inevitable, and can be greatly reduced by keeping blood sugars as near normal as possible.
Source: Diabetes Self-Management, March/April 2000. Visual Aids: Helpful Odds & Ends by Ann Williams, R.N., M.N., CDE
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