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


Monday, August 23, 2010

UV Rays May Cause Significant Damage To Unprotected Eyes.

AOA First Look on August 23, 2010 included the following news article which is especially important to those who are at risk of getting macular degeneration. Those are people with a sibling or a parent who have macular degeneration.


UV Rays May Cause Significant Damage To Unprotected Eyes.

HealthDay (8/20, Thompson) reported that "ultraviolet, or UV, rays can cause significant damage to unprotected eyes, resulting in a number of illnesses and disorders that can rob people of their sight." Over the long term, UV exposure can play a role in the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer. "The eye tends to develop melanoma, while the eyelids usually are inflicted with basal cell carcinoma." Eye experts recommend that people wear sunglasses "rated to absorb 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation." And, because the majority of sun exposure happens early in life, parents should make sure their children wear sunglasses, too.

UV Exposure To Eye May Cause A Pterygium. In a related story, HealthDay (8/20, Thompson) reported that cumulative UV exposure to the eye may cause "a pterygium, a non-cancerous growth that forms on the clear, thin tissue that covers the white part of the eye. ... If left alone, they eventually can grow large enough to cover the cornea and impair sight." The growths can be surgically removed.
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