A new video looks at vision loss and asks if lost sight can be restored. It features Juliette McGregor, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who explains common misunderstandings about blindness.
McGregor says it is better to think of blindness as a spectrum of visual impairment. The experience depends on which part of the eye or brain is affected, how severe the problem is, and how well a person can adapt.
In many cases treatments can reduce or prevent more vision loss. For other conditions medical options are limited and care focuses on assistive support such as devices or training. Researchers at the university continue to study the causes of vision loss.
Difficult words
- restore — make something return to its earlier staterestored
- ophthalmology — study and medical care of the eye
- blindness — complete or serious loss of sight
- spectrum — a range with different degrees or types
- impairment — a loss or problem in normal function
- adapt — change behavior to live with a condition
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen or used any assistive devices for vision? Describe one.
- How might a person adapt to reduced vision in daily life?
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