Many people use eyeglasses or magnifiers so they can still perform certain activities. To function safely, affected people may, however, need to rely on signals other than sight. For example, some lighted signals at a crosswalk also make beeping sounds to indicate when it is safe to cross the street. People who have severe vision problems or are blind can benefit from special devices and training. A white cane and a guide dog are familiar aids for helping blind people function on their own.
Computers are now able to recognize speech and can talk to the person.
Keyboards with braille symbols, braille books, and books on audio tape are also available. Side effects depend on the treatments used. Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Medications for glaucoma may cause stinging, blurred vision, eye redness, changes in heart rate, and headaches . Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia .