Practical tips on living with sight loss

This fact sheet gives simple but effective self help tips and ideas to people who have a significant sight loss.

Lighting in your home

Natural daylight and artificial lighting can help you see better. Try some of the following:

• During the day pull curtains as far back as possible - if glare results from having curtains completely open, net curtains filter light and often reduce glare.
• It can be easier to read nearer to a window.
• An angle-poised lamp can concentrate light where you want it without undue glare. Choose lampshades carefully, the best products direct light where it is needed.
• A torch is simple, cheap and can be effective in providing more light where needed.
• Fluorescent lighting provides even light and is cost effective.
• Background or ambient light will give even and diffused light.
• Walls painted with light matt emulsion reflect more light than wallpaper. A white emulsion painted ceiling can lighten a room.

Reducing glare

Too much light can also cause glare and reduce vision. To reduce glare inside your home it may help if you:

• Use blinds, net curtains, light filtering roller blinds or slated blinds.
• Place a table cloth on a shiny surface.
• Use appropriate lampshades.
• Use dimmer switches.
• Wear a sunshield or a peaked cap both indoors and outdoors.

Use of contrast

It is easier to see an object if the colour differs from its surrounding such as:

• Heating milk in a dark coloured saucepan or cup.
• Using cups with a white inside when pouring tea or coffee.
• Using a coloured plate or bowl, that will contrast against your dining table or tray.
• Using different coloured chopping boards to contrast with food.
• A dark door frame stands out from white walls and doors.

Size of print

For most eye conditions enlarged text can be useful. You can:

• Request literature in large print or audio.
• Use a magnifier.
• Websites often have a facility to make print larger.

For eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa, enlarging print may cause reading to be more difficult. You need to establish what size text, layout and lighting best suits your needs.

Equipment

The Sensory Services Team, in partnership with Richmond Association for the Blind run a Resource Centre. The Resource Centre has a wide range of equipment which can help with day to day activities for people with sight loss and hearing impairments. Contact the Sensory Services Team to make an appointment.