New surgical and laser treatments are being used today with increasing success. Many people with visual impairments can be helped by using low-vision aids. These are special devices that provide more power than regular eyeglasses. Partially sighted individuals often notice surprising improvements with the use of these aids. Your area agency on aging can refer you to organizations providing services for people with visual impairments.
Most libraries have books with large print.
A number of organizations can send you more information. The National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, supports research on eye disease and the visual system. They can send you free brochures on eye disorders. Write to the NEI, Building 31, Room 6A32, Bethesda, MD 20892. The National Society to Prevent Blindness has several free pamphlets on specific diseases affecting the eyes.