Perhaps more than any other sense, we fear losing our vision the most. While we may know that people with hearing aids and walkers lead almost normal lives, the thought of not being able to drive to the corner store (or even walk) leads to concerns about the lack of independence such a situation generates.
But even many serious issues can be dealt with, if not completely, with an eye (no pun intended) to support freedom.
Dr. Laurie Chaikin of Wild Rainbow Optometry in Castro Valley is not only an optometrist, but also holds a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. This combination of leadership has allowed him to focus on treating people with the most serious eye problems, in addition to doing the usual vision screening.
Whether it’s about the pros and cons of eye damage treatment, the independence of someone with Low Vision, or eye problems resulting from a head injury or stroke, Chaikin focuses on what they mean to the patient’s life.
For example, in a patient with Low vision, which Chaikin defines as “a special retinal person saying 2200 or 2400 person”, he collects various optical aids and rehabilitative techniques to help the person.
“We can still help them find parts of the retina and help them use magnifiers and other tools to help them become functional. They can read, they can become independent, they can make crafts, paint, and read again.”
But Chaikin is also aware that the patient cannot simply adapt to the new tools he has to use and be deliriously happy. “Reading or using a computer won’t be as fast as it used to be. That’s why we train people and work with them. The process is a little slower.”
And along the way, it is very important for the patient to go through the sponsorship gracefully while they try to make noise. their new situation. It is a loss, loss of normal vision. Some are ready to work immediately either. They are too angry and angry at the loss.
In the case of macular degeneration, Chaikin says the problem is with “different decisions along the way,” as the patient must weigh the risks and benefits of different treatments. “For example, if there is bleeding in the spot, the patient has to decide: The laser will stop the bleeding, but make the vision worse. The laser can create a blind spot.”
That blind spot, however, is not necessarily revolutionary. “The brain has an incredible ability to fill in where vision is lacking, and it enables us to work normally,” he explains.
Chaikin also works with those who experience vision problems due to a head injury or stroke. “Like in a stroke, people often don’t see half of their body. Because of the stroke, they don’t recognize that part is half of the body. A map of that half of the body.
Chaikin works with the patient to overcome the problem, rebuilding the “map” of the brain that has been lost due to an injury or stroke. “It’s a very slow process, bringing back the lost piece of paper and restoring the neurological connections,” he explains. “It has progressed to greater or lesser degrees, but we will not stop trying. We will also establish domestic programs and include spouses or employees in the work as well,” he adds.
While Chaikin remains realistic about serious eye diseases, he also worked hard to take care of his patients with the first ones. quality of life is possible. “Often we can’t get the patient back to normal functioning, but we can improve enough that the patient can be independent, or at least OK to be left alone for a long time.”
Report:
- Dr. Laurie Chaikin practices at Wild Rainbow Optometric Group. Visit the website at wildirisoptometry.com.
