“A great idea is a cutting board that reverses,”
explains Cohen. “One side is white and the
other is black.” For example, white onions show
up better on the black side, and dark green bell
peppers show up better on the white side. To find
examples, type in “low contrast cutting board” at
IndependentLiving.com or AbleData.com.
Also contrast cookware with the color of your
stove, Smith advises. “On light-colored stovetops,
dark or black pots are better, and the reverse is
true also. For some people, stainless steel cooktops
contrast well with brightly colored pots. Many
popular cast-iron brands are enameled in bold,
fashionable colors.”
“A great idea is a cutting board
that reverses. One side is white
and the other is black.”
Reach out for more
For more resources and information on
low-contrast vision, call an MS Navigator at
1-800-344-4867. The National MS Society’s
brochure, Vision Problems, also contains
many helpful tips. Visit nationalMSsociety.org
and search for “vision problems.”
The following organizations offer additional
resources:
The Lighthouse
lighthouse.org
Low Vision Center
lowvisioninfo.org
National Federation of the Blind
nfb.org
6. MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT.
Your personal style doesn’t have to take a backseat
to high-contrast needs. “My purse is all black, so
I have a red wallet that shows up against the black
purse lining,” offers Cohen. “Also, I have a metallic
gold keychain and a bright purple cosmetic bag.”
Simple solutions to a complex problem
Losing low-contrast vision can exacerbate other
visual problems for people living with MS, and
these issues can be complex. “All these suggestions
may sound simple, but in reality they can make
a huge difference in improving a person’s ability
to avoid falling or otherwise injuring themselves,”
Dr. Frohman emphasizes. With some of these
common sense solutions, you can better manage
your low-contrast vision both in your home and
in your office. n
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
Robin L. Phillips, president of BlueRobin Communications
LLC, is a freelance writer from Houston. She specializes in
medical topics.
