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


Friday, May 8, 2009

Different solutions for two ladies who want to be able to sew again

Yesterday I had the opportunity to perform low vision evaluations on two ladies who had similar sounding goals that resulted in very different solutions. Both suffered from macular degeneration, their vision in the better eye was quite similar and they both wanted to go back to a hobby that was very important to them. They both wanted to be able to sew again. While it sounds like they might benefit from the same type of low vision glasses, there was quite a difference in their needs and the solution.

The first patient, E.R. wanted to be able to do "chicken scratch" which she explained to me is similar to cross stitch. That meant that she would be holding the needle and thread as well as the cloth in her hands. To help her I prescribed 2X Clear Image microscopic glasses which included her prescription for astigmatism. They allow her to hold her sewing at about 7" from her face. At that distance she was able to see fine stitches in a piece of fabric.

Patient M.B. wanted to be able to sew with a sewing machine. Of course, that requires a greater distance. I prescribed 1.7X Wide Angle Telescopic glasses with an additional lens that can be added to make it focus at about12-14 inches. She was able to see fine stitching along the placket of a shirt. Another use of this pair of low vision glasses is that with the telescope alone they can be used to view television. With the additional lens added they give good vision for the sewing machine or for reading.

In both cases good lighting is a must and I recommended an Ott Lite for both ladies. Ott Lites give a soft, daylight light and are excellent for reading and other near activities. I use them on my desk at home and have several in use in my office.

If you have low vision and there are some activities that you have given up or are having trouble with give me a call on my toll free number, 866 321-2030. We can talk it over and I'll tell you if I can help. I will not schedule a low vision evaluation if I do not feel that I will be able to help you.
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