What Is Low Vision
What is low vision care?
Low vision
care, also known as vision rehabilitation, is a service provided by an eyecare or
vision rehabilitation professional that helps maximize the remaining vision of an
individual who has a vision impairment. Low vision care typically involves an
evaluation by a professional to determine the most appropriate low vision aids based
upon the individual’s level of vision and their goals. Rehabilitation training and
as well as other appropriate techniques are also considered.
How can low vision care help a visually impaired person?
Low vision
care can help make the most of the remaining vision that a person has in order to
gain back as much independence as possible with the goal to increase their quality
of life. With appropriate low vision devices and training in their use, many people
with a vision impairment can continue to read, watch television, manage their
finances, maintain their homes, shop, travel, and socialize.
What kind of virtual impairments can low vision aids help?
The major
eye diseases and conditions for which low vision devices are used are age-related
macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis
pigmentosa, albinism, Stargardt’s disease and retinopathy of prematurity, myopic
degeneration, among many others.
What low vision device is best for macular degeneration Diabetic retinopathy Cataracts?
Unfortunately, there is no one device that is ideal for any particular eye disease
or condition. The appropriate device(s) will depend on the individual’s level of
vision and their goals. This is why an evaluation by a low vision specialist is so
valuable to determine the low vision aids that will work best for the individual’s
specific needs.
Why are there so many different types of low vision devices?
Low vision
devices vary for the same reason a carpenter carries so many different tools– each
is good for a different task. Depending on the job, a carpenter may use a hammer, a
saw, or a chisel. Likewise, a visually impaired patient may use a magnifier to read
a medicine bottle or package label, a telescope to see signs, watch television, and
recognize people, and a video magnifier to read a book. Each low vision aid has its
own ideal purpose, and many people benefit from using different devices for
different activities. Low vision aids can be divided into several categories—optical
aids, non-optical aids, electronic aids, and mobility aids.
How do low vision devices help those with vision impairments?
Low vision
devices are usually designed to make an image larger– the equivalent of being able
to read the large print of a newspaper headline but not the small print of the
article. Digital versions can provide a range of magnification powers and can also
increase contrast. Individuals with tunnel vision may benefit from image
minifiers—similar to peephole door viewers that allow the user to see more at one
time. Individuals with side-vision loss (hemianopsia) may benefit from specially
prescribed prism eyeglasses.
How can I purchase a low vision device?
Some types
of low vision products are available directly from manufacturers or their
distributors. Other products are available only through eye care or vision
rehabilitation professionals (low vision specialists). At Tej Eye Center, we have
experts who can determine and prescribe the most appropriate device(s) for the
individual and also train the patients. Success with low vision aids is a
combination of using the proper device and the training involved in using it
effectively.
