Low vision clinic helps patients with low vision due to conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes or stroke. They offer one of the most comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs in the country with leading staff and technology. Visually impaired people can get a glimpse of the world around them using the adaptive computer technology at this clinic.
Low vision conditions
There are many conditions that can cause a person to lose part of their vision, but regardless of the condition, Low vision clinic is here to help. Visually impaired doctors offer treatment that can improve a patient’s visual function and improve their quality of life. Some of the more common low vision conditions treated by doctors include:
Cataracts
Cataracts are clouding of the lens towards the retina. This can blur vision and make driving dangerous for the elderly. They are very common in older Americans, and in some cases children can develop them as well. Diabetics can develop them earlier and, in rare cases, they can happen to younger people as well.
Glaucoma
Ocular hypertension is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Your doctor may not even detect the condition until it is advanced, which is why it is important to have regular eye exams and have your eye pressure measured. If caught early enough, vision loss can be slowed or prevented.
People with glaucoma have a number of symptoms, including decreased peripheral vision, reduced ability to drive at night or during the day, increased glare, and feeling like they are in a fog. To help you overcome some of these challenges, your low vision specialist may recommend increased magnification, lighting, and contrast, as well as glare control or filters.
Diplopia
Diplopia is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. It can be caused by many problems with the cornea, lens or brain. Injuries, aneurysms, tumors, migraines, and strokes are all possible causes of this vision disorder.
If the problem is not caused by surgery, prisms or partial patches can usually treat the painfully blurry problem of double vision. Double vision that does not require surgery to resolve is usually treated with prisms or patches and muscle rehabilitation.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. This condition can be caused by aging, but it can also be caused by smoking, diabetes, and excessive sun exposure. It usually begins with difficulty reading and seeing distortions like straight lines that appear to be curving.
Stroke and vision loss
Strokes can affect the blood supply to the brain, resulting in visual impairment. Patients may have problems with daily tasks such as reading and driving. Those who have had a stroke can often experience hemianopia, which means loss of half of their vision in both eyes, depending on the area of the brain affected by the stroke.
Diabetic eye problems
As a diabetic, your specific eye needs should be taken into account during your low vision exam. People with diabetes need to be able to take their medications, monitor their blood sugar, and read food labels. Because diabetics often have foot problems, they may need to see a podiatrist for regular check-ups.
People with diabetes may experience changes in their vision, depending on their blood sugar levels. If a patient’s blood sugar fluctuates, so does their lens. Before prescribing glasses for a diabetic, doctors always retest the patient on another day to see if their vision has changed as a result.
What to expect at the Low Vision Clinic
Low Vision Clinic encourages all patients to come for a comprehensive exam that includes the latest technology for low vision rehabilitation. It will take two to three hours, which is much longer than a typical eye exam and can include:
Medical background
You entrust us with the care of your family and your health. We collect your health information, including medications, smoking, and sun exposure.
Ocular history
A history is taken of your vision, past eye treatments and eye diseases. This includes a discussion of the date of your last eye exam.
History of low vision
Information is collected about your personal vision problems, such as when they started and how they affect you. He also asks about any vision rehabilitation services you have ever had. For example, the questionnaire asks you if you are able to watch television, read or recognize faces. You will also be asked about your activities of daily living which can be difficult, such as driving or cooking.
Low vision refraction assessment
Low vision refraction is a more complex eye test than a traditional test. Doctors use it to measure your prescription and determine the best correction for you. It is also important to assess whether you need bifocals or high powered computer glasses.
Adaptive low vision assessment
Your doctor will help you decide which low vision devices to use based on your various functional difficulties. They will take into account reading, watching television, driving, using computers, etc. They will also assess issues such as glare and sensitivity to light. Microscopes, telescopes, magnifiers, bioptic systems, and sunglasses can be recommended for a variety of needs.
Eye health assessment
Visually impaired patients should have a comprehensive eye exam from your eye doctor. If you have not seen an ophthalmologist in the past six months, or are currently under active treatment, you will be asked to have a complete eye exam before seeing the low vision specialist. The low vision specialist will offer loaner devices while you are in treatment.
Additional tests
Depending on the patient’s condition, additional tests may be needed to determine the condition of their vision. These tests may include: a glaucoma test, a visual field test, and a microperimetry test. The latter tests the usable area of your central vision.
Patient plan and education
Visually impaired physicians work with patients to help them lead more productive and independent lives. They inform the patient about his condition and the different treatments available. They also keep abreast of new scientific research and treatment options for low vision.
Conclusion
The Low Vision Clinic provides eye care for the visually impaired. A low vision exam will be done, during which your functional eyesight and your ability to perform tasks will be assessed. We will set realistic goals for your performance so that you can maintain as much independence as possible.