What is low vision?
Low vision is typically defined as a patient not being able to achieve at least 20/70 vision with their best possible glasses correction. This can be a result from a number of congenital and acquired eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What is done in a low vision exam?
In a low vision exam we first asses the patients visual and ocular health status. A good starting point is prescribing the best distance or reading glasses possible to provide a clear image on the retina. A thorough assessment of the patients needs and current challenges is done to best determine which activities of daily living the patient is having the most trouble with or the most concerned about. Is is reading? Watching television or recognizing faces? Writing a check, cooking or safely walking around the house? Here at Mobile Vision Professionals we realize that each patient has unique and specific visual demand and challenges. Once this assessment is done, there are a variety of options available to enhance a patients vision and improve their activities of daily living (ADL). These include but are not limited to:
- Illuminated hand and stand magnifiers
- High powered reading glasses
- Spectacle mounted or hand held telescopes
- Electronic reading devices
- Low vision aids such as large print books and talking watches
- Certain lens tints and filters to improve contrast
Losing vision can be emotionally devastating to a person. An inability to read, watch television and losing ones independence can often lead to depression. Although it is challenging, one of the most rewarding things we do is helping to enhance the vision of our patients and help them get some their independence back. Give us a call today to schedule yourself or your family member a low vision evaluation with Dr. Hassenpflug.