When you have reduced vision as a result of
an eye disease, you can be classified as having low vision. Those with
low vision usually complain of difficulty reading small text, recognizing faces
or reading street signs. An optometrist with a sub-specialty in low
vision seeks to maximize the best functioning area of the eye. This can
be done with the use of low vision aids and devices.
I have just been treated for “wet” macular degeneration by a retinal specialist who said that my vision has now improved from the original 20/200 to 20/60. But my new pair of glasses isn’t allowing me to see as clearly as I would like. Why can’t my vision be corrected to 20/20 with regular glasses? Was my eye treatment/surgery not successful?
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| some patient will experience black dot phenomenon symtom |
When
the retina (the part of the eye that receives visual information) is distorted
as a result of an eye disease, treatment can improve your vision, but will not
restore it to normal. Therefore, you may notice that straight lines may still
appear wavy, or that you have dark spots in your vision. Glasses can improve
the vision, but will not be able to resolve any distortion or dimming of vision
you may already be experiencing. This is where a consultation with a low vision
optometrist is helpful to determine what adaptations and aids besides glasses
will help you to function better.
“But I have never
heard of a low vision optometrist. What can you do to help me with how I see
every day?”
 |
| the vision will be restore to perfect vision quality |
A visit with a low vision optometrist will
begin with a complete history of your visual problems and a discussion of your
visual goals. For example, your goal may be to read price tags or to view
photos of family members. From there, your doctor will determine the low vision
aids most appropriate for you to accomplish these goals. The aids can range
from standard spectacles to magnifiers and telescopes. Some patients will
function better with a particular tint in their lenses to reduce debilitating
glare while other patients would benefit simply from increased lighting or
working with an occupational therapist to make changes to compensate for visual
deficits. Low vision specialists can utilize telescopes and even electronic and
computerized magnification aids to help you get through your day. The number of
these devices is growing and the timing could not be better with more and more
people needing help.
Counseling
is also often needed for patients who are grieving and cannot be easily helped
at first. We always recommend that you bring along a supportive friend or
family member to the evaluation so that we can address all areas of difficulty.
Publish by
Gary Asano, OD,
Chair of the California
Optometric Association’s Low Vision Rehabilitation Section
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