Seeing is Believing

As we age, our vision naturally declines. While bifocals or reading glasses can help address some vision issues, they might not be enough for everyone. Low vision is a more severe condition where vision problems persist despite corrective measures such as glasses, contact lenses, or medical treatments. It represents a chronic visual impairment that can’t be fully corrected and significantly impacts daily activities.

In the U.S., around 4 million individuals are affected by low vision. This condition makes it challenging to perform everyday tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces, which can greatly influence one’s quality of life. Low vision, along with blindness, is one of the leading causes of disability in the country. The prevalence of low vision is rising, with nearly 500,000 new diagnoses each year. This trend underscores the importance of awareness and management strategies for those affected.

Understanding the reality of low vision helps in recognizing its impact and the necessity of seeking appropriate support and resources to manage this condition effectively.

An Alarming Trend

The prevalence of low vision is rapidly increasing, becoming a significant concern within public health. Each year, a substantial number of new cases are diagnosed, revealing a troubling rise in individuals experiencing this condition. This upward trend underscores a growing issue that demands urgent attention and action.

As more people are affected by low vision, it highlights the need for enhanced management strategies, better support systems, and greater awareness. The anticipated increase in severe visual impairments and blindness in the coming decades presents a substantial public health challenge. It necessitates proactive measures to address the needs of an aging population and those at risk of vision loss.

This growing trend has significant implications for healthcare systems and communities, potentially placing additional demands on resources for vision care, rehabilitation, and support services. Addressing the issue involves improving treatment options, investing in preventive measures, and increasing public education. By focusing on early detection, supporting research, and fostering community engagement, we can work towards mitigating the effects of low vision and improving the quality of life for those affected.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision describes a significant impairment in visual acuity or clarity that persists despite the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. Traditionally, low vision has been defined as having a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or worse, meaning that even with the best possible correction, the vision remains significantly compromised.

In addition to reduced visual acuity, low vision also involves the loss of visual field. This means that a person might have what is considered 20/20 vision in terms of sharpness but still suffer from restricted peripheral vision. Such limitations can profoundly affect daily activities and overall quality of life, as the reduced field of vision can hinder one’s ability to navigate environments, recognize faces, and engage in tasks that require a wide visual range.

Recognizing Low Vision

Low vision differs from the typical need for reading glasses or bifocals that many people experience as they age. It significantly impacts daily life in ways that go beyond common vision changes. For instance, Jennifer, a retired teacher, finds that her reading glasses no longer suffice for her favorite books. She struggles with intense glare and has difficulty recognizing her grandchildren from afar, leading her to withdraw from social activities she once enjoyed.

Similarly, Orly, a graphic designer, noticed a decline in her vision even though her corrective lenses seemed adequate. She began facing challenges in distinguishing colors on her computer screen and navigating her studio. The loss of peripheral vision made it difficult for her to keep track of people around her, which affected both her work and social interactions.

If such symptoms are not addressed, individuals like Jennifer and Orly may experience a decrease in activity and become more socially withdrawn.

Is Low Vision Only for the Elderly?

Although low vision is often linked to aging, due to conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, it is not exclusive to the elderly. Low vision can impact individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential for managing low vision effectively and preserving quality of life. Addressing vision issues promptly can help mitigate their impact and support individuals in maintaining their daily activities and overall well-being.

Living with low vision requires adjustments and a proactive approach to managing the condition. It’s crucial to consult with an eye care specialist to explore available resources and treatments. Adaptive technologies, such as magnifiers, screen readers, and specialized lighting, can significantly enhance daily activities and improve quality of life. Support from vision rehabilitation services can also provide valuable strategies for navigating daily tasks and maintaining independence.

Embracing a supportive community and seeking out organizations dedicated to low vision can offer additional resources and a network of individuals who understand the challenges faced. Early intervention, continued research, and community support are key to managing low vision effectively and ensuring those affected can lead fulfilling lives despite their visual impairments.

The recent surge of mpox cases across several African countries has sparked concerns, but experts emphasize that the situation is not akin to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the growing alarm, particularly regarding a potentially more transmissible variant, experts advise against panic.

The new strain, known as clade 1b, has been detected in Sweden and Thailand, with both cases linked to travel from countries grappling with outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need for vigilance as this new variant may pose a higher transmission risk.

Dr. Marc-Alain Widdowson, WHO Europe’s lead on high-threat pathogens, reassured Euronews Health that mpox is not comparable to COVID-19. Unlike the airborne transmission of COVID-19, mpox requires prolonged or intense human-to-human contact for spread. “People shouldn’t be alarmed in Europe about a COVID-like situation suddenly happening because of mpox,” he said. Dr. Widdowson pointed out that mpox primarily spreads through close contact, with sexual transmission being predominant in Europe.

The less severe clade II of mpox continues to circulate in Europe, with about 100 new cases reported monthly. However, the emergence of clade 1b, a more severe variant, has raised concerns. “The new variant is showing much greater human-to-human transmission,” warned Dr. Shema Tariq, a principal research fellow at University College London. Despite these concerns, mpox’s transmission remains less efficient compared to airborne pathogens like COVID-19.

Experts stress the importance of ongoing surveillance and prompt action to prevent the spread of clade 1b. Dr. Tariq highlighted the opportunity to enhance responses by focusing on vaccination, case detection, and diagnostic improvements. Widdowson echoed this sentiment, urging European governments to enhance surveillance, report data transparently, and avoid complacency.

In response to the outbreak, the European Commission has partnered with Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced 232 vaccination sites across France and pledged an additional 100,000 vaccine doses to the most affected countries.

Dr. Tariq emphasized that the current outbreaks offer crucial lessons about global vaccine equity, pointing to past criticisms of vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for equitable access to vaccines and treatments remains a key issue in global health negotiations.

The WHO does not recommend border closures or travel restrictions, which could contribute to stigma and hinder international cooperation. Instead, the focus remains on effective response strategies and equitable vaccine distribution to mitigate the impact of mpox.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has updated its travel health advice, recommending that individuals planning to visit areas in Africa affected by mpox consider getting vaccinated. This update comes in response to recent outbreaks of a new strain of the virus, known as Clade 1b, which has led to a rise in cases and fatalities.

The ECDC’s latest guidance follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of mpox as a global emergency. Despite this, the ECDC assesses the risk of widespread mpox across continents, including Europe, as low. However, they emphasize preparedness due to the ongoing outbreaks in Africa, where the disease has claimed at least 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. This includes physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, touching items like clothing or bedding used by someone with the virus, and exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person. The disease causes flu-like symptoms, skin lesions, and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

For those who have previously been vaccinated against mpox, a booster dose may be sufficient rather than the full two-shot regimen. Boosters are generally advised every two to ten years, depending on ongoing risk factors.

Pamela Rendi-Wagner from the ECDC noted the need for heightened vigilance: “Due to the rapid spread of this outbreak in Africa, ECDC has increased the level of risk for the general population in the EU/EEA and travelers to affected areas. Given the close connections between Europe and Africa, we must be prepared for potential cases of Clade 1b in Europe.”

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of Clade 1b mpox in the UK, but experts warn that without international action, cases could spread. A recent case was reported in Sweden, where an individual contracted mpox during travel to an affected region in Africa.

The ECDC’s updated advice follows a previous public health emergency declared in 2022, which was associated with a milder strain, Clade 2. As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay informed and consider vaccination if traveling to regions experiencing mpox outbreaks.