Dealing with Vision Loss? These Low Vision Aids Can Help

If you have low vision, it’s easy to get discouraged. Fortunately, low vision aids enable you to make the most of your remaining vision, even if you have significant vision loss.

The IALVS low vision optometrists provide low vision aids that can make a dramatic difference in your life.

What Is Low Vision?

People with low vision, which is sometimes called “partial vision” or “partial blindness,” have eyesight that is 20/70 or worse in the better-seeing eye that can’t be improved with regular glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

What Are Low Vision Aids?

Low vision magnifiers, special glasses, and other aids and devices maximize your vision so you can perform activities like reading, preparing meals, using a computer, watching TV, and navigating inside your home and outdoors. These aids make it easier to continue living an active life.

Low Vision Magnifiers

Conventional and electronic magnifiers make objects and print appear larger. Whether you need to thread a needle or read a menu, you have a choice – hand-held, stand-alone, and battery-operated magnifiers you can take anywhere.

Low Vision Glasses

These aren’t your regular eyeglasses. Low vision glasses can include:

• Bioptic lenses – a small mounted telescope helps you see far away objects
• Tele-microscope lenses – combine features to enhance both close and distance vision
• Prismatic reading glasses – alter the way light enters the retina to help you see better
• Side vision awareness glasses – enhance your peripheral vision
• Absorptive lenses – tinted lenses that limit glare and accentuate contrast

Color Contrast Devices

In addition to special tinted glasses, color contrast devices can make letters on your keyboard more visible and can improve the contrast on your computer screen.

Large Print Items

You can purchase large print books, and also remember to look for apps that can enlarge the print on your computer or mobile device automatically.

Audio Products

Tools like Google Voice Search and the iPhone’s Voice Control can help you surf online without having to squint. Enjoy the pleasures of reading again with audiobooks. Smart technology can give you the time of day, product use instructions and so much more.

Video Camera Magnifiers

Reading or working on a computer is easier with video camera magnifiers that focus cameras on objects and magnify them on a screen. You can also adjust the magnification as well as color and contrast settings.

Telescopes

Telescopes provide intense magnification and are positioned on regular glasses. See better with hands-free magnification, available in binocular or monocular versions.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Low Vision Aids?

Low vision aids are ideal for anyone who has been diagnosed with low vision.

If you have a medical condition, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa, or sustained vision loss due to an eye injury, stroke, or congenital problem, low vision aids can make the most of the vision you have.

We offer a full range of low vision aids so you can use your remaining vision to the fullest.

Where Do I Buy Low Vision Aids?

Talk to us! In addition to eye disease management, we provide a wide selection of low vision magnifiers, glasses, and other products. We will also advise you on lifestyle changes to help you live a fully active life with low vision.

To learn more, schedule an appointment at an IALVS low vision doctor today.

Q: Do I have reduced contrast sensitivity?

A: Contrast sensitivity is the ability to distinguish letters or objects from their backgrounds. If you have contrast sensitivity problems, you may:

• Have trouble reading, especially if the colors and brightness of the background and the letters are too similar or if the lighting is low
• Be unable to distinguish between objects, particularly if they are the same color – for instance, a red scarf on a red couch
• Stumble on curbs or steps because you can’t see them
• Have difficulty driving, especially in fog, overcast days, darkness, or when there is glare

If you suspect you’re having problems with contrast sensitivity, schedule an appointment with an IALVS low vision optometrist today.

Q: Is macular degeneration hereditary? 

A: Macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of low vision and blindness in people over 50, has a strong genetic component. If a parent or sibling has AMD, your risk of developing the condition is 3 to 4 times higher. If you have a family history of AMD, be proactive and schedule regular eye exams with your low vision eye doctor. The sooner your optometrist diagnoses and treats your AMD, the better your chances of preserving your vision.