Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Low Vision?
We use the term “Low Vision” when a patient has a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by traditional glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery.
2. What is a Low Vision Exam?
A low vision exam is very different from a routine eye exam. The goal of the low vision exam is to determine the amount of vision a patien thas and how to maximize that vision with low vision devices to help patients achieve their goals and live the kind of life they wish to live.
3. What causes Low Vision?
Low Vision can be both congenital and acquired.
In people over 60, the most common causes of low vision include:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
In younger people with low vision common causes include:
- Stargardts disease
- Nystagmus
- Achromatopsia (color deficiency)
- Rod-Cone Dystrophy
4. What Low Vision Devices are available?
There are many kinds of low vision devices available.
In our office we offer:
- Handheld magnifiers
- Stand magnifiers
- Full-diameter telescopes
- E-Scoop glasses
- Bioptic telescopic glasses
- Tele-microscope glasses
- Prismatic reading glasses
- Side Awareness Prism Lenses
- Absorptive lenses
- Video and digital magnifiers