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Using your one good eye will not damage it in any way. Sitting
close to the TV, reading, or using your eye for hobbies will not harm it. In particular,
it does no harm to sit close to the television, sit as close as is necessary to see
adequately.
The same applies when using a computer screen.
Having only one good eye does not strain the good eye at all. When reading you may
only be able to read for perhaps 15 minutes before developing tired achy eyes, or
headache. It is then necessary to rest, and then start again later, over and over again if
need be.
For distance vision, an optician cannot
fundamentally improve your sight, but new spectacles may help.
For close work, an optician will aim to
provide spectacles that focus at the distance for your particular requirements. Generally
the closer you hold a book to your eyes the larger the print appears, and an optician can
provide glasses that focus books etc closer to your eyes. Reading is naturally easier with
large print book, or using large text size on your computer.
However, it is always best to try your old spectacles first: it
will do no harm to use your old spectacles. But remember, spectacles only focus at one
distance. Musicians or painters for instance may need a second pair of spectacles that
focus at a distance slightly further away.
Hold the book or paper in front of the one good eye. Move the
book or paper you are reading, rather than your eye. This takes practice, but with
practice you will adjust your eye and head movements automatically. You need a good light,
such as an anglepoise light. This is a desk type light, with a reflector that is not
transparent. The reflector needs to shine all the light on the book or paper, and none in
your eye. This is like reading with the sun behind you. Having a bright light on the
ceiling is not particularly helpful. If you follow this advice, and reading is still
difficult, you need to see an optician familiar with patients with poor vision.
Unfortunately, the older you are the harder it is to learn new reading methods. and the
longer it takes.
You really need individual advice from the optician in the eye
clinic, or any another low vision expert. The options include:
extra strong spectacles
holding your object close
special telescopic spectacles for reading or television
various magnifying glasses
These are not ideal for reading for long periods as they are
tiring to use. There are magnifying glasses specially for sewing, or reading very small
print for example. Some patients may find electronic aids like special TV cameras and
computers helpful.
Computers can even 'read' books aloud, and input what you say.
A large screen may help. Talking books are available: there is a service specially for
people with poor sight. Ask your doctor or clinic nurse for details.
In the UK you are legally allowed to drive a car with only one good
eye. If you have lost the vision suddenly it takes time to adjust, and three months is the
accepted period. Notify the Driving Authority (the DVLA in the UK). You will need to move
your head more to compensate for the loss of vision on one side.
This depends on the cause of the problem in the bad eye. If you
have had problems identified in the clinic, such as high blood pressure, these need to be
treated by your General Practitioner. Generally the UK Department of Health recommend
- 30 minutes exercise a day
- no smoking
- a diet with minimal animal fat & dairy food
- low in salt
- five portions of vegetables or fruit a day
If the central part of your sight is damaged, the Macular
Disease Society may help:
Macular Disease Society, PO Box 268, Weybridge, Surrey KT13
0YW, UK, tel: 01932 839 331 |
