Low Vision
Low vision is a significant reduction of visual function that cannot be fully corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment and/or surgery. Most people develop low vision because of eye diseases or health conditions such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and diabetes. Some people develop vision loss after eye injuries or from birth defects. While vision that is lost usually cannot be restored, many people can make the most of the vision they have. A low vision optometrist helps patients enhance their remaining vision by prescribing special low vision eyeglasses, magnifiers, telescopes, electronic low vision aids, non-optical aids and provide training on how to use these devices. Some examples of these devices are as follows…
Optical Aids:
- Hand Held Magnifiers
- Stand Magnifiers
- Prism Glasses
- Hand Held Telescopes
- Spectacle Mounted Telescopes
- Filters
Electronic Aids:
- CCTVs
- Hand Held Electronic Devices
- Computer Screen Magnifiers/Readers
Non-Optical Devices:
- Large Print Books/Magazines/Playing Cards
- Sewing Magnifier, Needle Threaders
- Check Writing/ Envelope/Signature Guides
- Task Lighting
How We Are Able to Treat Low Vision
As an optometrist with a special interest in low vision, Dr. Staci Anderson works with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. A low vision evaluation does not take the place of your scheduled eye examinations and follow-up visits. Before the low vision evaluation can take place, you need to have a recent dilated eye examination with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Please have your eye doctor fax your examination information and glasses prescription or you can bring this information to your low vision appointment. Before you come to your appointment, think about the things you are having the most trouble with, and rank them in order of importance. If possible, bring these items to you appointment (example: books, newspaper, checkbook). You should also bring any glasses, magnifiers or other devices you have used, even if they do not work well. For example if you are having trouble writing checks, bring your checkbook to the appointment.
At your appointment, Dr. Anderson will check your vision and do a careful determination of your glasses prescription. She will assess your visual needs and recommend one or more low vision devices to meet your primary goal. This may be glasses, magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic devices. Our office carries a variety of low vision aids that you can try out at your appointment. You will be trained on how to use each device by our opticians experienced in low vision. We recommend returning to see Dr. Anderson two weeks after you receive you new low vision aid for a follow up appointment. The purpose of the follow up is to assess how the new device is working for you and to work toward any other visual goals you might have. We will provide additional demonstration and training if needed.
Most insurance plans pay toward a low vision evaluation, but only a few will pay for low vision aids. Please check with your insurance before your appointment to find out what is covered.
It is important to understand that low vision aids can not bring back any vision that has been lost, but they can help you use the vision you have left. People often have to re-learn how to use their eyesight, and it is not always an easy process. With the right training and the right low vision devices, you can learn to use your remaining vision to its fullest potential.