About Low Vision
What Is Low Vision?
Low vision could be defined as best corrected vision which is insufficient
to do what you want to do.
There are two parts to the definition:
- The amount of vision- in the better eye, with best glasses.
- The task- what it is that the person wants to do but cannot. For
example, reading, writing, driving, playing cards, and taking medication.
There are many tasks which patients with low vision want to do but
cannot. All are addressed in the low vision evaluation.
For a person to benefit from Low Vision Care, there must be a degree
of usable vision, and a goal to do a visual task.
Most Low Vision patients have reduced vision from macular degeneration,
diabetes, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, and genetic defects.
Questioning of the patient takes longer, and is far more specific in
the Low Vision Evaluation. The Low Vision specialist must determine
the level of visual functioning of the patient, and create a 'wish list'
of the tasks that the patient would like help with.
Usually, the list includes:
- driving
- reading
- writing
- seeing prices, labels, dials, and menus.
Some would like to return to work and need help in seeing the computer
screen, or other occupation-related tasks.
Some have hobbies such as playing piano, knitting, bingo, or oil painting!
The Low Vision specialist prescribes optical and non-optical devices,
including magnifying eyeglasses, telescopes, hand and stand magnifiers,
electronic visual aids, glare control and enhancing filters, and contact
lenses, to improve everyday living. Training in the use of such devices
is critical to the successful use of remaining vision.
Low Vision Evaluation
A Low Vision evaluation is for anyone who, even with regular eyeglasses,
cannot see well enough to do what they want to do.
The Low Vision Evaluation is completely different from a normal, comprehensive
eye examination:
- The amount of remaining vision must be carefully determined using
specialized charts which are closer to the patient, and have more
gradations than the standard projected chart. The patient is instructed
to use peripheral vision during testing, since central vision is often
damaged.
- Then the amount of magnification needed to do the desired tasks
must be determined for far tasks like driving, near tasks, like reading,
and intermediate tasks like playing bridge.
- There are various magnification devices, called low vision aids,
which can be utilized to help the patient perform tasks. The best
form for each person and each task must be determined. For example,
for seeing prices a hand magnifier usually works best, except for
patients with a hand tremor.
- Other factors like lighting, glare, contrast, mobility and more
must be looked at by the Low Vision Doctor to come up with the best
combination of "ingredients" to allow the patient to function.
Most of our patients have diminished vision, from one or more of the
following conditions:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Inoperable Cataracts
- Trauma
- Stroke
Low Vision Devices
We prescribe optical and non-optical low vision devices, including:
- Magnifying
- Eyeglasses Telescopes
- Hand and Stand Magnifiers
- Glare Control Devices
- Electronic Visual Aids
- Contact Lenses and more!
We also provide training in how to use the devices, as well as techniques
to help utilize remaining vision.
