Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation Sourcebook, 2nd Edition

Visual impairment encompasses a spectrum of conditions affecting the eyes, optic nerve, or brain, leading to varying degrees of vision loss. This can range from blurred vision or loss of central vision to complete blindness. While age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration typically affect adults, vision loss can also be present at birth due to congenital factors. As reported in 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately, 6 million Americans experienced vision loss, and 1 million were classified as blind in 2017. This trend highlights the need for continued focus on this public health issue, especially considering that more than 1.6 million individuals with vision loss or blindness are younger than 40 years old.

Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation Sourcebook, Second Edition provides a comprehensive understanding of disability and its effect on daily life in the context of vision loss. It explores specific conditions leading to visual impairment, such as refractive disorders, cataracts, retinal diseases, and congenital disorders. The book addresses public health implications, mental health concerns, and fall prevention among older adults. It offers practical strategies for independent living, including orientation and mobility training, assistive devices, and support systems. Additionally, it discusses managing diabetes to prevent vision loss, surgical interventions, multidisciplinary vision rehabilitation, and technological innovations for low vision and blindness. Key aspects such as mental health, employment rights, and access to education for individuals with visual impairments are addressed. The book concludes with a directory of resources for further assistance and information.

Part 1: Understanding Disability and Visual Impairment lays the groundwork by defining disability, impairment, and activity limitation. It explores the concept of disability inclusion and identifies common barriers to participation. The part also covers healthy living with visual impairment, managing low vision, color blindness, and the broader public health implications of vision loss. Additionally, it examines how vision loss can affect mental health and offers strategies to reduce the risk of falls.

Part 2: Conditions Leading to Visual Impairment delves into specific conditions that lead to visual impairment. Each chapter addresses a distinct condition, including refractive disorders like myopia and hyperopia, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, congenital disorders, and more. It provides insights into their causes, effects, and management.

Part 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation for Vision Impairment covers the assessment, prevention, and treatment of vision loss. It explores surgical and nonsurgical interventions, rehabilitation approaches, and adaptive living skills. This part also discusses managing diabetes to prevent vision loss and innovations in technology for low vision and blindness.

Part 4: Disability Support for Vision Impairment addresses orientation and mobility training, disability employment rights, and access to special education. Additionally, it examines available government benefits and support services for people with vision loss, including transportation guides and mobility aids.

Part 5: Additional Resources includes a directory of organizations providing support for people with visual impairments.