Living with Low Vision

When do I need “low-vision” help?

When regular glasses and contact lenses can no longer provide good vision, it’s time for Vision Rehabilitation.

What low-vision aids are available to help me with my remaining vision?

If you have significant vision loss, you may benefit from low-vision aids. A low-vision specialist could best advise you on the best available options for you. These included devices such as handheld or coil-stand magnifiers for reading. Telescopes incorporated into glasses to help you see into the distance. Use of devices such as Talking Watches or computers that talk or that use large-type faces could make your daily activities easier. Remember to create optimum lighting conditions in order to maximize your vision. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Aid for Near Tasks:

Low Vision Reading Glasses: Special reading glasses and bifocal lenses can be made to help patients achieve better vision through magnification. If you can see print through a magnifier, reading glasses can be made to help you read. Advantages of low vision glasses include the followings:

• Hands are free so you can hold reading material
• Glasses can give you the widest field of view
• Good option for prolonged reading

One disadvantage could be short working distance for some. This means that you might have to hold your reading material close to your eyes.

Hand and Stand Magnifiers: There are many different kinds of magnifiers available in many styles and powers. Hand-held magnifiers can be very useful for reading or performing other near tasks. It was very important to use the proper power magnifier. Illuminated magnifier is a good choice for many patients as many patients with low vision require more light to see well. Advantages of hand-held or stand magnifiers are:

• Portable
• Relatively inexpensive
• Allows for greater working distance than most reading glasses
• Good choice for individuals with hand tremors or arthritis

Telemicroscopes: Telescopes can be made to focus at any working distance. Telemicroscopes can also be mounted on an eyeglass frame to keep hands free.

Video Magnifier: Video Magnifiers can provide a greater range of magnification. Contrast enhancement can makes print easier to see. Other advantage of Video Magnifiers is that great deal of magnification can be achieved and still be at a comfortable distance from the reading material. This allows for more comfortable posture.

If you have hard time seeing well enough to drive, watch television, or other distance activities with their current eyeglasses, a small telescope can be used to help see better at a distance. A low vision eye specialist can help you with this. Telescope can be hand-held or mounted on your eye glassed for hands-free use.

Can I drive with a Telescope? It depends on your state. In some states it is legal for a visually impaired person to drive with a biopic telescope. Contact your local motor vehicle department for information about driving with biopic telescopes in your state.