Low Vision Assessments at Isthmus Eye Care

What is Low Vision?

Low vision encompasses any partial vision loss from eye disease or injury that cannot be corrected with medical or surgical interventions.   Low vision patients have reduced visual acuities, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, or a combination of these factors.  People with low vision typically retain some useful vision. With coaching and certain devices, known as low vision aids, a patient can learn to use this remaining vision to see and be function in their daily lives.  With a low-vision evaluation and appropriate training with devices, patients can often learn to read newspaper-sized print and perform other tasks, even with serious eye disease.

Many diseases can cause different types of vision-loss.  If you or a family member has suffered damage from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa or other causes, consider a low-vision evaluation.

What are Low Vision Aids?

Finding the best glasses prescription is important as a starting point, although it often cannot correct the vision loss caused by the disease.  Low vision devices, or aids, assist in functioning with the remaining vision left.  These devices range in complexity from high-powered reading glasses, tinted lenses, and magnifiers; to a closed-circuit television camera and telescopes. Non-optical devices such as large-print clocks and playing cards, remote controls, as well as signature and writing guides can help to improve the patient’s quality of life.  Reading small print like prescription bottles, filling insulin syringes, balancing the checkbook, paying bills and writing letters all can become possible.

Low vision training may also be necessary to assist in functioning with a vision loss and using low vision aids. Vision rehabilitation services may be necessary to teach skills and strategies to remain safe and independent when living with a vision loss.  Referrals to other professionals including social workers, occupational therapists, vision rehabilitation therapists, career counselors, and orientation and mobility specialists can assist in maximizing daily function.

What is a Low Vision Exam?

A low vision examination is often the first step to evaluating the eye disease and remaining vision. A low-vision evaluation is different from the usual eye health exam carried out by your optometrist or ophthalmologist, as it is directed to determine visual needs and the best ways to meet them.  The purpose of the exam is to measure how the remaining vision functions, discuss abilities to perform desired tasks, and then explore devices to assist with functioning in a better quality of life. There are numerous magnifiers and devices available, so a low-vision evaluation is essential to find the best aid for each task.  As each individual’s visual demands differ, it is important to explore the options to best assist each patient to be able to function in their daily lives.