About Low Vision

There are many people who have a vision loss that is not correctable with typical eyeglasses or contact lenses. They've lost some vision and are unable to see well enough to participate in activities that are important to them. We say that these people have low vision. Eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt's disease and glaucoma, among others, are common causes of low vision.
For many years there have been optometrists who help low vision patients see better so they can return to a more normal life. Special telescopic or microscopic glasses are often prescribed which help the person return to reading, driving, using a computer, participating in hobbies or crafts. Some people are able to return to work.
Most of these people have been told by their eye doctors that nothing can be done to help them. It is true that there is no cure for these diseases and the vision will not return to normal. The job of the low vision optometrist is to evaluate the person's remaining vision and prescribe appropriate glasses or other devices which magnify what is seen, making it easier to see.

Free Telephone Consultation
My practice is totally dedicated to helping low vision patients. That is all that I do. I always speak with patients before scheduling a low vision evaluation. That helps me understand how much remaining vision they have and what their goals are. I also answer questions and give the person an idea of what to expect from the evaluation and from the special glasses. I only schedule people who I can help.
Call me for a free telephone consultation. I will be happy to speak with you and I will tell you if I can help you see better. Call toll free 1 866 321-2030
I see low vision patients in offices in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Wytheville, VA.

More information at VirginiaLowVision.com and facebook.com/VirginiaLowVisionOptometrist


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Microscopic Glasses to Help Control Diabetes Better

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness. Studies have shown that people who control their diabetes well are less likely to develop diabetic eye disease. Therefore, well controlled diabetics are at less risk of blindness. A nice, 85 year old man came to me last week. He has lost some vision due to diabetic retinopathy. Laser surgery has helped control the vision loss but many visual activities are difficult for him. Insulin injections are required to control his diabetes and he was having trouble reading the markings on the syringe. A few times he's given himself too much or to little insulin. His family is concerned about him. I asked him to set a syringe at 15 units, a task he does a couple times each day. Both times he tried, wearing his regular eyeglasses, he missed the mark. One time he was off by 5 units and the other by 10 units. His family's concern is well founded. I evaluated his vision with Clear Image microscopic glasses and he was able to set the syringe correctly each time he tried. I have prescribed the Clear Image glasses. They will help him with other close activities but most importantly, he will be keeping his diabetes in better control.
#diabeticretinopathy