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


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Sight Saving Tips

 A recent article in Optometry Times by Colleen E. McCarthy listed several steps that people should take to help preserve their sight.  Titled "Help elderly maintain independence with 7 sight saving tips"  I share those tips with you. I have summarized the tips a bit.
  1. Get a comprehensive eye exam.  Yearly dilated eye exams are crucial for detecting changes in vision which may indicate a developing eye disease.
  2. Know signs of vision loss.  Symptoms may be noticed when reading, watching TV, driving, recognizing friends faces.  Sometimes friends or family members notice that we are having difficulty with our vision.
  3. Make eye-healthy food choices.  Choose foods low in fat , rich in fruit, veggies, whole grains.  Foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and dry eye.
  4. Quit smoking.  Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.  It worsens dry eye and raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases which can influence eye health.
  5. Maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.  Keeping these levels well controlled can reduce the risk of vision loss from eye disease.
  6. Get regular physical activity.  Thirty minutes of exercise per day is good for general health as well as eye health.
  7. Wear sunglasses.  Sunglasses with 100% UV protection reduces the risk of cataract, growths on the eye and cancer.  #Maculardegeneration #cataract
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