TARP - RP Messenger Archives

TALK ABOUT VISION
Who is a Safe Driver?

By Dorothy H. Stiefel

A safe driver is the person who gets regular eye examinations (timetable varies according to recommendations of attending physician.) The safe driver is the person who not just has, but wears his corrective lenses for driving.

Today's driver must not only see well but comfortably so. Speed increases the need to see further ahead, making quick glances to both sides of the road, and have excellent peripheral vision.

To be a competent driver you must be able to see with your side vision while looking straight ahead. That means everything around you from the driver's seat. Some might claim that this is simply practicing good defensive driving.

WHAT IS SAFE DRIVING?
The safe driver will meet the following requirements: Sufficient Visual acuity and peripheral vision; depth perception, acceptable night vision, good eye coordination and accommodation, and color perception. A conscientious driver will also be alert for trouble on the road and obey speed limits.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR COMPUTER USERS AND TV WATCHERS
More and more people are using their computers for work, sending messages and playing games. While not harmful to the eyes, excessive viewing over a long period of time, or sitting at a computer without taking short breaks to look away from the screen, can result in eye fatigue.

If children insist on sitting close to a TV set or computer monitor, it may be an indication of near-sightedness which should be addressed by an eye specialist. Television should be viewed from no closer than five times the width of the screen, or roughly, six feet away. There should be some soft lighting in the room, and the TV set should be in perfect focus.

Computer viewers should sit at least 16 inches from their screen with a light source from behind. Special glasses are suggested for computer use as most lenses are for reading or for distance.

If your eyes water, of if you experience discomfort while focusing for long periods of time in front of either a television set or a computer, be sure to obtain professional attention.

HOW CAN YOU MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S VISION?
WARNING SIGNS: In a baby: certain warning signs might be: inability to pick up small objects; missing toys when reaching for them; and bumping or stumbling over objects that should be seen easily.

As the child gets older, the parent can play visual games with the child. for example: ask your child if he can see something that you can see. Make sure that one eye is not wandering from the other. Watch for squinting, head tilt, or the closing of one eye during visual tasks. If there is a visual problem, you will want to know about it as soon as possible.

Parents as well as teachers, should know that the Snellen Eye Chart has definite limitations. A child may score 20/20 on the school chart and still not have good vision for reading!

VISION AIDS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Low vision aids have given many people with vision problems the ability to read again. Closed Circuit TVs are a boon to people of all ages. The market has widened to offer many different types of vision aids: those to clarify, brighten or to magnify objects and symbols for the vision impaired. These aids do not correct or cure, but they allow persons to make the best possible use of their remaining sight. Today, having limited vision does not mean you cannot enjoy reading.

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