Low vision is known as impaired vision that cannot be fully restored with surgery, medical treatments, or conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. Low vision should not to be confused for blindness because it is not. It’s more along the lines of tunnel vision or blind spots. If you have or currently are experiencing this in the famed words of the late great Michael Jackson “You are not alone”. Over 15 million americans have some form of visual impairment. That is what eye specialists *coughs* Advanced Eye Clinic *coughs* are here for.
With the help of regular eye exams & a good optometrist, you can do something about low vision. Visit your local eye doctor immediately if you fear you may have low vision. Individuals with low vision may have other problems pertaining to eye health. When you visit your eye doctor make sure to ask questions about your risk of low vision in the near future. Getting an eye exam from your local optometrist or ophthalmologist is a step in the right direction.
As an optometrist, my ultimate goal is to help you make the most of the vision you do have so that you are capable of doing more of the things you need and want to do. You know like studying that extremely large and boring textbook, writing the even more boring but equivalent length paper about chapter in said textbook, or the ever so rare shopping, watching television or cutting in a straight line (I am kidding that requires hand eye coordination). Eye care is extremely important in maintaining healthy vision for use with…..well…life!
When an individual’s eyesight is not able to be corrected to be better than 20/200 vision with eye glasses, their diagnoses is having low vision. Some of the causes of diminished vision can derive from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and genetic diseases.
Many people are told there is nothing to be done once you have been diagnosed with low vision. While there may be no cure, Advanced Eye Clinic or your local optometrist can design and prescribe low vision systems for many of these individuals suffering from this condition.
The Bioptic Telescope (or the Full Diameter Telescopes) attaches to the lens(es) and provides patients with the benefits of a telescopic system while still maintaining mobility.
Like these cool bioptic telescopes or microscopes that are mounted on a pair of glasses to allow many people to resume reading, cooking, hobbies, playing cards and in some cases driving, greatly improving their lifestyles. Or in some cases just extra magnification in your regular glasses can help.
Stay on the LOOKOUT for these symptoms (See what we did there? No? We thought it was punny):
- Hazy, blurry vision
- partially obscured central vision
- blind spots
- Poor peripheral vision
Daily Living Aids:
- Large print books
- Custom lighting
- Magnifiers
- Daily living assistance aids
- Needle threaders
- Large print playing cards
If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, please see a eye care professional & request a Visual Field Test. If you are lucky enough to live in the DFW area drop in to Advanced Eye Clinic and let us help! If you would rather schedule an appointment click the button at the bottom of the page. We look forward to seeing you soon.
