Low Vision Videos

I have posted several YouTube videos that may be interesting to anyone dealing with low vision.    Here is a partial list of links:

Low Vision Glasses for Reading
https://youtu.be/ehpIuBWi1uI 
Bioptic Telescopic Glasses
https://youtu.be/0N9TSR7e38Y
Driving with Bioptic Glasses
https://youtu.be/Uk5k_DaXCeQ
"I've been fighting for my eyesight all of my life."
https://youtu.be/pZVJC-KdRiA
Free Telephone Consultation with Dr. Armstrong
https://youtu.be/KJkro7ZloQo

There is more info on my website www.VirginiaLowVision.com

"Damn! I can read with that!"

A ninety year old lady who'd been referred by her ophthalmologist came for her low vision evaluation today.  She has both glaucoma and macular degeneration.  The vision in her right eye is almost completely gone.  With the left she sees only 20/160 with her glasses.  For the past 3 months she has not seen well enough to read.  Her caregiver has been reading to her.  All she wanted help with is to be able to read.  She brought two large print Danielle Steel novels with her hoping that I'd be able to prescribe some low vision glasses and she'd be able to read them.

Because of some physical limitations resulting from Parkinson's Disease she was unable to use the glasses and hand magnifiers that I tested her with.  I then demonstrated a desktop electronic magnifier.  That device allowed her to look straight ahead at the screen while her novel lay on a flat surface below.  She did not have to hold the book or lower her head.  Without hesitation she began reading. 

I asked her what she thought about the device and she responded "Damn!  I can read with that."

There are a lot of ways to help people who have lost some of their vision.  I prefer to prescribe low vision glasses because they allow the person to have both hands free to hold a book or sign a check.  They can be carried easily allowing them to be used anywhere you go.  Sometimes a hand magnifier works better and sometimes, like this lady, a desktop electronic magnifier is the best thing.

A low vision optometrist like myself is aware of the many possibilities and by evaluating the remaining vision and the person's goals can recommend the appropriate help.  If you'd like to talk with me about your vision problem please call me toll free 1 866 321-2030.  There is no charge for the call or the telephone consultation.  I'll be happy to speak with you and tell you if I can help.

“I am so much happier now"

Shelby Lester has lost vision in her right eye due to macular degeneration and because of a retinal hemorrhage in the left eye. A retinal specialist has been treating the left eye with injections for over a year. Mrs. Lester heard about me and my work with low vision patients. She wanted to be able to return to driving and to be able to read. Shelby loves to sing and was unable to read the music. No glasses had ever been prescribed for her.

After evaluating Shelby’s vision and I found that with a conventional eyeglass prescription her vision improved but not enough to pass the DMV requirements. I prescribed bioptic telescopic glasses that allow her to meet the requirements for a special daylight only license. For reading and music, prismatic glasses were prescribed.

Shelby later sent me a list of the things that she is able to do with her low vision glasses:

1. “I can see the channel numbers on the TV and the picture is much clearer now.”

2. “I can see the settings on my stove, washing machine and dryer.”

3. “I can see people’s faces clearer and see things at a distance with my new low vision glasses.”

4. “The prismatic glasses really help with reading”

5. “They help me to be able to drive again.” (She later was able to obtain a driver’s permit allowing her to drive when wearing the bioptic glasses.)

“I am so much happier now. Before getting the glasses I had to depend on my husband a lot more and that made me feel very sad. I pray so many more people can be blessed by getting these glasses.”

Mrs. Lester suffered unnecessarily from her vision loss before discovering that help is available. Her low vision visit with me and the special low vision glasses that I prescribed were the beginning of happier times for her. If you are unable to see well enough to do the things that are important to you call  for a free telephone consultation. In a few minutes I will tell you if I will be able to help you see better. Call toll free 866 321-2020 for the free consultation.

#maculardegeneration

Sad Consequences of Low Vision

A study reported in the British Journal of Ophthalmology brings up another possible consequence of vision loss, suicidal thoughts or attempts.  The online newsletter of the American Optometric Association, AOA First Look, contained the following brief article with link to an article in Reuters which you can read if you wish.
This study highlights a whole new possible consequence of low vision.  While I have not heard of possible suicide, I have been told by patients or their family that they've  suffered from depression since losing vision.  It is not surprising.  When vision decreases to the level where someone can no longer drive, read or recognize faces they have lost independence.  That can be devastating.  It is a very difficult adjustment to go from life long good vision to dealing with the consequences of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
Reading the Reuters article may give you a bit more insight into the issues faced by a person with low vision.  Happily, some of these people can regain independence through the use of special low vision devices, microscopic or telescopic glasses as well as other types of devices.  You can read of the successes of some of my patients on my Facebook page.  www.Facebook.com/VirginiaLowVisionOptometrist

Study: As Vision Worsens, Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts May Increase.

Reuters  (3/28, Lehman) reported that a study  (3/30) published online March 2 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that people with vision loss were often prone to suffer psycho-social issues and were more likely to have suicidal thoughts and make suicide attempts compared to those with normal vision. The study, which included nearly 30,000 adults followed between 2008-2012, also revealed that deteriorating vision was tied to a worsening in quality of life.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Today's issue of AOA First Look includes the following synopsis of a US News & World Report article about protecting your eyes from some of the main causes of low vision.  Click the link to read this helpful information.  For people who have lost vision from eye disease or some other cause a low vision optometrist may be able to help.
I speak with all low vision patients before scheduling an appointment.  By asking a few questions about your remaining vision and your goals I will be able to tell you if low vision glasses will help you.  There is no charge for the telephone consultation or the toll free call.  Call me at 1 866 321-2030.  More information on my website www.VirginiaLowVision.com

National Eye Institute Offers Advice To Keep Eyes Healthy.

US News & World Report  (3/20, Woodham) says a recent report from The Vision Council notes that 1 in 28 Americans over the age of 40 are suffering from “low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be repaired by glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery.” But Dr. Rachel Bishop, chief of the consult services section at the National Eye Institute, says there are steps that can be taken to reduce eye problems such as cataracts: “The first is not smoking. The second is protecting their eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses. UV light exposure is associated with cataract but also with other problems in the eye, so we recommend people wear UV-protection sunglasses when out in the bright daylight.”

"Magnification? How much do I need? What's best for me?"

   I always ask my low vision patients to bring their glasses and magnifiers with them to the low vision evaluation.  I want to see what they have been using and how much it helps them.  What I have learned is that there are a lot of poor quality magnifiers out there and the average person has no way of telling the good from the bad.  Usually, they arrive with magnifiers that they bought at the drug store or some big box store and the lens is very poor quality.  Often the magnification is not nearly enough to help the person.  Sometimes they have way too much magnification.  No wonder they don't get the help they need from the magnifiers.
   Recently a man came for his low vision evaluation who had a brand new electronic magnifier.  He'd bought it on line for $200.  He had not even tried it yet.  It was brand new.  Electronic magnification seemed appropriate for him so I showed him a device that I have found to be the best choice for many of my patients.  It has a bigger screen, clearer picture and more features than his on line purchase.  He immediately saw the difference and purchased the one that I recommended.  He planned to give the on line magnifier to a friend because now he has one that suited his needs better.
   I tell this story to illustrate the importance of being evaluated by a low vision optometrist.  Let someone who understands the various types of magnification and what is appropriate for your problem help you.  When you have a vision loss from macular degeneration or some other eye disease you need the best help that you can get.  Ordering on line or buying a magnifier at the store is taking a shot in the dark.  Your chance of getting what will serve you best is very slight. Give me a call for a free telephone consultation.  I will tell you if I can help you and when I've evaluated your vision I will recommend what is best for your needs.  Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030.  For more information go to www.VirginiaLowVision.com 

"They're expensive but they are worth it."

 

 

I overheard two  patients talking about their low vision glasses yesterday.  One lady said to the other, "They're expensive, but they are worth it".  The second lady agreed.

It was interesting to hear the comment because both of the ladies have seen significant benefits from their telescopic glasses.  One lady, Laura Cunningham, was about to lose her driving privileges 3 years ago because macular degeneration had blurred her vision.  Laura's retinal specialist recommended that she come to me for help.  The bioptic telescopic glasses that I prescribed allowed her to obtain a special Virginia driver's permit.  She's kept her independence and is able to drive around the small town where she lives.  Yesterday she again passed the state's vision requirements and will be able to continue driving.  Sometimes maintaining the ability to do the things that are important to us can be expensive.  Staying independent is certainly worth it.

The second lady, Phyllis Gibson, has had significant vision problems since infancy.  She has lost vision from corneal scaring and glaucoma.  She's had corneal transplants and cataract surgery.  She has been treated by numerous doctors at some of the most prestigious eye centers on the east coast.  Phyllis told me "I've been fighting for my eyesight all of my life".  Finally, she consulted a different ophthalmologist who looked beyond treating the eye diseases and recommended that she see me.  The doctor hoped her life could be improved if low vision glasses helped her see better.

You can see Phyllis in the  photo to the right wearing the telescopic glasses that I prescribed.  With them she is able to read a standard size book, see TV better and see well for painting pictures.  She is an artist.  She has had to give up painting and is looking forward to getting back to it.  Phyllis is the lady who I quoted.  "They're expensive, but they are worth it."  It is easy to see why she feels that way.

I appreciate these two patients and the doctors who referred them to me.  Many people who have been told that nothing can be done to help them see better would benefit from low vision glasses.  Ask your doctor if you might benefit.  I'd be happy to speak with you on the phone.  Call me for a free telephone consultation.  1 866-321-2030  More info at www.VirginiaLowVision.com










 

"A little more help please"

In early October I prescribed a pair of E-Scoop glasses for a lady with macular degeneration.  She had been sent to me by her ophthalmologist in Tennessee and was hoping that I could help her see better.  She especially hoped I could improve her vision for driving and reading.  A month or so after getting the E-Scoops she called to say that she loves her distance vision with them.  She feels much safer driving now.  However, some small print is still difficult for her to read.  I suggested that she return to me and bring some of the things that she was having trouble seeing with her.  I'd do my best to help.



E-Scoop Glasses

When she returned I evaluated her with the new E-Scoop glasses on and discovered that with better light and a little more magnification she was able to read very small print easily.  She left with a good, lighted hand magnifier and an OttLite. 
Yesterday she called to say that she's doing just fine now.  The light and the magnifier are just what she needs.
I tell this story to encourage people who are not seeing well with their present glasses to return to their doctor.  Bring the items that you're having trouble with and ask for more help.  There may be an easy solution as in this case.
If you've been told that nothing can be done to help your vision that is when you should consult a low vision optometrist.  Give me a call.  I will be happy to discuss your vision with you and I will tell you if low vision glasses will help.  Call 1 866 321-2030.  There is more information on my website.  www.VirginiaLowVision.com

I Can Read For Hours

   I had a call today from a low vision patient, Joseph.  He has lost vision from macular degeneration and was referred to me by his ophthalmologist.  What Joseph really wanted to do was read the New York Times.  He hoped that I could help him with that.
   Joseph's vision with his glasses was 20/60 on the day of his low vision evaluation.  He was not doing badly for distance vision.  It was the reading that bothered him.  The thorough low vision evaluation revealed that his near vision could be improved nicely with telemicroscopic glasses.  The ones that I prescribed magnified almost 2 times and focused at 10 inches from his face.  He could easily read the Times.
   Today, Joseph called to tell me how well he is doing and how much he likes the glasses.  "I can read for hours with them" he told me.  "I love them".

Telemicroscopic glasses with iPad

   One other thing that has helped Joseph's reading is that he has good light.  He took my advice and bought an Ott Lite.  The Ott Lite gives him plenty of soft, no glare, daylight right on his paper.  I recommend an Ott Lite for anyone who has vision loss.  They really help.
   I am pleased that Joseph has been able to get back to reading the Times.  It is very satisfying to be able to help people return to activities that they enjoy but had been unable to do. #maculardegeneration #microscopicglasses

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

The Importance of Good Lighting

A few weeks ago I dispensed a pair of Clear Image microscopic glasses to a lady who wanted to be able to read her newspaper.  She has macular degeneration and has been unable to see well enough to read.  The day she received the glasses she read her hometown newspaper easily.  They worked very well in my office.  I explained how the glasses are to be used, stressing that she hold her paper in the correct place and use proper lighting.  I demonstrated both of these things to her and sent her home with written directions (large print).

Several days later she called to tell me that the glasses were not working.  She could not read the paper. What happened?  I asked a family member to take some photos of the lady attempting to read and text them to me.  As I suspected, her paper was very poorly lighted.  I could see how the light was on her shoulder but not on the paper.  I called and discussed what I'd learned from the photos and explained to the lady and her family just how to light the reading material.  Proper lighting makes all the difference.  That solved the problem for her.  She is able to read the paper again.

This lady has macular degeneration but I think there is a lesson here for all people with low vision. 

 Good lighting is important. The light must be close and fully illuminate the task. Sometimes that is all that a person needs.  No special low vision glasses. Just proper lighting.

The photo shows me reading under an Ott Lite.  I think that they are the best.  Ott Lite is natural daylight color, soft yet bright enough to do the job.  I recommend them to all my low vision patients.  #Stargardtsdisease #Ottlite

Age-related macular degeneration occurs much earlier than previously assumed

The summary below is from a large study done in Germany.  This new information adds to previous studies that show a strong link to heredity and smoking.  There are some things that can be done to reduce the chance of getting ARMD. 

1. If you smoke, quit.

2. If you have a parent or sibling with ARMD consider taking one of the supplements recommended for people with macular degeneration.  There are many.  I recommend "Macular Shield AREDS 2 plus Complete Multivitamin" , a product of Doctors Advantage.

3.  Have a complete, dilated eye examination yearly.

July 21, 2014

Source:

Universität Mainz

Summary:

Even individuals under the age of 50 years can suffer early forms of age-related m

Date:

acular degeneration, researchers say. With the help of their findings, the researchers were also able to gain insights into how frequently the various forms of age-related macular degeneration occur. On average, about 12 percent of the examined 35- to 74-year-olds had early stage AMD, but only 0.2 percent of the study participants exhibited symptoms of late stage AMD, which is often associated with severe visual impairment. #maculardegeneration

Still Playing in the Band

Donald Jenkins called a couple weeks ago to tell me he is still enjoying playing in the Community Band in his town in North Carolina.  "I love my low vision glasses.  They have allowed me to keep playing in the band for the past 3 years."
I first met Don in May 2011.  He has macular degeneration and came to me for help.  He was having trouble reading the music, even when he enlarged it with a copy machine.  I prescribed telemicroscopic glasses focused at 24 inches, the distance of his music.  By knowing his goal of reading music and the distance to the music I was able to prescribe glasses specifically for his needs.
Thanks to the improvement that the glasses make Don can read the music again and continues to enjoy playing tunes from Broadway, Glenn Miller as well as Sousa marches. 
I am very happy for this nice man and appreciate his letting me know how much difference the telemicroscopic glasses make to him. #maculardegeneration#lowvisionglasses

A Nice Letter From A Patient

I always appreciate it when patients take the time to write or call and let me know how they are doing. This week I received a letter from a lady who I'd helped several months ago. She has macular degeneration and wanted help so she'd be able to go back to driving. As you can see, she is very pleased. Dear Dr. Armstrong, Thanks for the kindness you have shown and the opportunity for me to have better vision. The eyewear has been a blessing and I can now drive. It was very much appreciated. May God bless you! Sincerely, Terri

More Low Vision Info on Facebook

I hope you'll take a look at my Facebook page. It's dedicated to low vision. I am posting interesting news related to people with macular degeneration, Stargardt's Disease, diabetic retinopathy and other diseases that reduce vision. In addition to that I post helpful tips for low vision patients, new developments and interesting patient experiences. The page can be reached by the link below. I hope you will take a look and decide to "Like" the page. As always, if you have questions or would like to discuss your vision problems give me a call. My toll free number 1 866 321-2030 gets you to the answering service and I'll personally call you back within a couple days. I hope you find the my Facebook page interesting and helpful. Please cut and paste the Facebook address below to access my Page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Virginia-Low-Vision-Optometrist-Dr-David-L-Armstrong/660124997350141

Macular Degeneration. Legally Blind? Maybe, Maybe Not

A few days ago I saw two patients who had recently been told by their retinal specialists that they were legally blind and must stop driving.  The first patient, a West Virginian, received a letter from the retinal specialist stating that his best vision with glasses was right eye 20/400 and left eye 20/300.  That meets the definition of legal blindness.  The patient's children asked him to quit driving although his wife, who often rode with him, had not noticed that he was having any problems driving.  When he came to me for help his visual acuity  was 20/120 in the better eye with his glasses.  That's not legally blind but still not good enough to drive.

After a thorough low vision evaluation I prescribed spectacle miniature (bioptic) telescopic glasses.  With them he sees 20/50 with his better eye.  That will allow him to obtain a special license to drive in West Virginia while wearing the telescopic glasses.

This man was quite aggravated that the previous doctor had not actually checked his vision himself.  He relied on a staff person to do that.

The other patient is a young Virginian who suffers from Stargardt's disease.  Her vision without any lenses is 20/120 with each eye.  Definitely not legally blind.  Wearing the telescopic glasses that I prescribed, her vision improves to better than 20/60 with each eye.  She will be able to drive in Virginia with a special permit requiring her to wear the telescopic glasses.

In a busy ophthalmolgy office patients are often turned over to staff members to do some of the basic testing.  Especially with someone who has reduced vision from eye disease, that may not be the best thing for the patient.  Both of these people had been told by the doctor, as a result of the technician's testing, that they must give up driving.  In both cases, careful testing revealed much better vision than they had been told. 

If you've been told that you should not drive because of your vision it may be a good idea to consult a low vision optometrist who will take the time to carefully evaluate and prescribe appropriate help.  Of course, there are times when people must give up driving for safety reasons and I respect their decision to do that.  Giving up driving is not an easy thing to do. Give me a call for a free telephone consultation. I will tell you if low vision glasses will help you get back to activities that you have had to give up. Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030 #stargardtsdisease #biopticdriving

Woman with Diabetes, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration helped to read

The three greatest causes of vision loss and blindness are diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Any one of them can have devastating effects on a person's eyesight and their life. This past week I had the opportunity to perform a low vision evaluation on a lady (GW) who had all three conditions and was asking for help in seeing better for some of the day to day activities that she had given up.

The top 4 things on GW's wish list were to be able to read her Bible, read her mail, use her checkbook and use her computer. Following a thorough low vision evaluation using low vision glasses she was able to do all of these things.

GW had no prescription glasses. Her doctor had recommended that she go to the store and find a pair of readers, telling her that nothing else could be done to help. She also had a low power hand magnifier. Her distance visual acuity with the right eye was 20/240 and 20/700 with the left. When I measured the power of her eyes I found that there was a moderate amount of astigmatism in each eye. Correcting that alone did not improve her vision very much.

A 4X Clear Image microscopic lens combined with the astigmatism correction allowed GW to read a large print Bible easily. With that lens she read letters one third the size that she could with the readers.

When the astigmatism correction was used along with a 2.2X bioptic telescopic lens for distance vision GW was able to read 20/60 letters, one fourth the size that she was able to read with no lenses. She was able to see her husband's face well from about 20 feet and saw the cars and people well when she tested the bioptics outdoors.

GW has ordered the Clear Image microscopic glasses for reading, the bioptic telescopic glasses for television and to recognize faces when she is at church or shopping. In addition, she will have a lens cap for the telescopic glasses that will allow her to use her computer with them.

Although this nice lady has the three most damaging eye diseases she responded very well to low vision glasses and I expect her to enjoy them.

You might think that someone with this combination of eye diseases could not find help. The reason that I accepted her as a patient and is that I'd interviewed her by phone and was sure in advance of her appointment that I could help. I do not accept low vision patients until we have talked by phone and I feel that they have sufficient vision that I can help them achieve their goals.

If you would like to talk about your low vision problem and your goals please give me a call. We can quickly determine if I will be able to help you. Call me toll free 1 866 321-2030. #maculardegeneration

Implantable Telescope May Help Combat Effects Of Macular Degeneration

An article in yesterday's Salt Lake Tribune reported on the success of a man who received the implantable miniature telescope. This new technology is available to macular degeneration patients in Virginia. I am a member of the CentraSight Team that selects patients and does the initial workup. If you are interesed in hearing more about the IMT give me a call at 866 321-2030. I will be happy to explain it to you and help you decide if it would be right for you. The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (12/30, Stewart) reports that Craig Maxfield Chappell, an 86-year-old man suffering from macular degeneration, has become the first patient in Utah to have a pea-size telescope sutured in one of his eyes to improve his distance vision. The new device, which was implanted last week at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center, “won’t fully restore Chappell’s sight, and it could take two to four months of rehabilitation before he realizes any benefits.” The telescope, which is covered by Medicare, “is priced at $15,000,” and must be installed by a skilled surgeon.

#maculardegeneration

"I wish I'd known about you and these glasses 15 years ago."

Kelly Henley was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration (also known as Stargardt's Disease) when he was in grade school. Over the years his vision gradually declined until he was no longer able to drive. Without driving he was unable to work and had to retire early. He had been told by his eye doctor that there was no help for him. He eventually changed to a different optometrist who referred him to me for low vision help. When Kelly came to me his number one goal was to get back to driving. Additionally, he wanted to be able to recognize his friend's faces and read better. He's a sports fan and wanted to see the action better when he goes to games. Kelly's vision is not good enough to obtain a regular, unrestricted driver's permit in Virginia. With the help of the bioptic telescopic glasses that I prescribed for him he easily passed the vision requirements for a daylight license requiring that he wear the bipotics. In addition to the bioptics I also prescribed telemicroscopic glasses, a special telescope allowing both eyes to focus at about 12" from his face. Kelly is using them for reading, including studying the DMV manual. He's preparing to take the written and driving tests and get his license back. If you have had experiences like Kelly Henley and want help with your vision please give me a call. I will be happy to discuss your vision and your goals. I'll tell you if I can help you. I'd like to help you get back to reading, driving and other activities that are difficult for you. Call me toll free 866-321-2030.

#stargardtsdisease

What the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies Mean for You

The National Eye Institute has just published a fact sheet for consumers which helps clarify the use of vitamin supplements for persons with Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).  The fact sheet published May 5, 2013 gives explanation and recommendations for supplement use in reducing the progress of ARMD.  The National Eye Institute recommends that patients with the following types of ARMD should be taking a product based on the just published AREDS2 study:

1. Intermediate AMD in one or both eyes usually involves little or no vision loss.


2. Advanced AMD in one eye, but not the other eye. Advanced AMD involves either a breakdown of cells in the retina (called geographic atrophy or dry AMD), or the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina (called neovascular or wet AMD). Either of these forms of advanced AMD can cause vision loss.

You may read the entire Fact Sheet by clicking on the following link:

http://www.nei.nih.gov/areds2/PatientFAQ.asp