Joe is a 60 year-old Accountant who relies on either the car or train travel to get to the Melbourne CBD every day from Geelong. Joe is moderately short-sighted and has recently noticed more glare from the headlights when driving at night.
His eye doctor diagnosed him with early onset cataract and AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration).
As Joe’s cataract (cloudy lens) was not too far advanced, his eye doctor advised him that his vision was still good enough for driving. It was the debilitating glare from oncoming headlights, however, which caused Joe much grief on his long trips. Joe’s very early AMD has only interfered with his ability to read poorer contrast print, such as that in newspapers.
An Orthoptic Low Vision Assessment was recommended at this early stage, so that Joe could explore glare control and lighting, plus be made aware of his future options, should his vision become worse.
Using a Lux Metre, the Orthoptist was able to assess the level of lighting in Joe’s office and reading room at home, making relevant recommendations in accordance with Standards Australia. Appropriate task-lighting was recommended and supplied. Illuminated hand-held magnifiers were also explored for future reference. In addition to this, sunglasses for UV protection and glare control during the day and night were explored.
Joe received further information regarding the usual progressive nature of cataract and AMD. A review with his Ophthalmologist was also recommended, to keep close scrutiny of his level of distance vision for driving.