There are Treatments for Serious Eye Diseases

Perhaps more than any other sense, most of us fear losing vision the most. While we may know of people with hearing aids and walkers who lead near-normal lives, the thought of not being able to drive (or even walk) to the corner store leads to worries about the lack of independence such a condition engenders.

But even many serious eye problems can be treated, if not perfectly, then with an eye (no pun intended) toward maintaining the patient's independence.

Dr. Laurie Chaikin of Wild Iris Optometry in Castro Valley is not only an optometrist, but also holds a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. This combination of skills has allowed her to focus on treating people with serious eye problems, in addition to performing routine vision screening.

Whether discussing the pros and cons of macular degeneration treatments, the independence of someone with Low Vision, or eye problems resulting from head injury or stroke, Chaikin focuses on what those mean for the patient's daily life.

For instance, in a patient with Low Vision, which Chaikin defines as "a retinal specialist saying the person has 2200 or 2400 vision," she pulls together a variety of optical aids and rehabilitative techniques to assist the person. 

"We can still help them find portions of their retina and help them use magnifiers and other tools to help them be functional again. They can read, they can become independent, they can do crafts, painting, and read again."

But Chaikin is also aware that the patient is not simply going to adapt to the new tools they must use and be deliriously happy. "Reading or using the computer won't be as fast as it used to be. That's why we train people and work with them. The process is a little slower."

And along the way, the patient is likely to go through a grieving process of sorts, as they try to grapple with their new situation. "There's a loss, the loss of their normal vision. Some people are not really ready to take action right away, either. They're too upset and angered by the loss."