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


Tuesday, March 24, 2009

USA Today gives tips on preventing macular degeneration

The following article and link to USA Today came from AOA First Look, the online newsletter of the American Optometric Association.


Columnist provides tips on how to prevent AMD.

In the USA Today (3/23, Painter) Your Health column, Kim Painter writes that, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, "women over 40 who took supplements of folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 were less likely than those who took placebos to report a diagnosis of" age-related macular degeneration (AMD) "after seven years." Meanwhile, "eye experts say" supplements "can help adults avoid AMD, or at least ward off the worst effects." While some "known risk factors" cannot be changed, such as "gender (women may be at higher risk)...race (whites are most affected)," and genetics, risk can be minimized by following "a healthful diet with plenty of vegetables and fish," not smoking, and getting regular vision check-ups. During "regular, comprehensive eye exams," optometrists "can spot early signs of AMD, even if...vision is still good." And, "for people with signs of moderate AMD -- including a buildup of yellow deposits called drusen under their retinas -- doctors recommend a supplement cocktail" containing "vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper."
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