- See your

eye doctor if you have a need for more light and a gradual, spotty loss

of detail vision (dry macular degeneration) or a sudden and severe loss

of central vision (wet macular degeneration). These may be the warning

signs of macular degeneration.

- See your

doctor if you your vision seems hazy, you are having trouble distinguishing

colors, have an increased sensitivity to glare, and/or light scatters

and appears like a "halo." These may be the warning signs of

a cataract.

- See your

doctor if you are experiencing a subtle loss of contrast, difficulty driving

at night, and/or loss of peripheral vision (late stage glaucoma). These

may be may be the warning signs of glaucoma.

Dr, Stuen advises,

"If you are an older person, be sure to see your ophthalmologist

or optometrist at least once a year. And, if you notice any changes in

your vision, see your eye doctor immediately."

If you or anyone

you know would like a free copy of a new brochure called, "Vision

Loss is Not a Normal Part of Aging -- Open Your Eyes to the Facts,"

as well as information on vision loss and how to locate vision rehabilitation

services and other professional referrals in your area, call Lighthouse

International's toll-free number at 1-800-829-0500 or visit the website

at www.lighthouse.org. This booklet and other awareness materials are

made possible by a grant from the AARP Andrus Foundation.

Vision rehabilitation

professionals, including low vision doctors, social workers, rehabilitation

teachers, and orientation and mobility instructors, provide individualized

instruction and guidance to achieve your personal goals. They work with

people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as with family and

friends, to improve the overall quality of life.

Lighthouse

International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and

vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation

services, education, research, prevention and advocacy, Lighthouse International

enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead

independent and productive lives. Founded in 1905 and headquartered in

New York, Lighthouse International is a not-for-profit organization, and

depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations and

corporations.

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