Navigating the Road with Low Vision: the Role of Aids and Devices

Hitting the road with low vision can be a challenging task, but with the help of various low vision aids and devices, it’s often possible to continue driving safely.

IALVS low vision eye doctors offer a wide selection of aids and devices for individuals with low vision to help them maintain their independence and do the things they love. 

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is a condition where, despite permanent vision loss, some vision remains. The condition can’t be corrected with contacts, glasses, medication or surgery, but in some cases, it’s possible to slow its progression. 

Eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration can cause low vision. So can congenital eye conditions, accidents, and brain injuries.  

 Many people assume that being diagnosed with low vision means being unable to drive. In reality, there are a number of low vision aids and devices that can help many visually impaired people continue to drive, at least under certain conditions. 

 Low Vision Aids For Driving 

A well-known low vision aid that’s used for driving is bioptic telescope glasses. A pair of small telescopes are mounted on a pair of glasses. This allows the driver to magnify their vision at will by looking through the telescope to read signs and see traffic lights and emergencies up ahead, and then return to normal vision by looking through regular glasses. 

Prism glasses also make driving with low vision possible by aiding peripheral vision in those with visual field loss. They have raised lenses in the shape of a prism that allows better awareness of objects in the missing field of view. 

Special car modifications can also make driving with low vision possible for some people. Devices like special mirrors can help with blind spots, and special high-intensity lights can be added to make it easier to see at night. Adaptive devices for car controls like voice-activated controls, bigger knobs, and buttons or knobs are also beneficial.  Your IALVS low vision optometrist can refer you for automobile modification.

Low Vision Driving Aids 

If you need any low vision aids or need to make car modifications to make driving safer and easier, seek a thorough eye exam with an IAVLS-trained low vision optometrist near you.