Low Vision

"Low Vision" applies to people whose vision is reduced as a result of an eye disease such as macular degeneration, diabetes, or glaucoma. "Legally Blind" is vision which cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to any better than 20/200 as a result of an eye disease. Many daily functions such as reading mail or the newspaper, writing checks, watching TV, driving and general mobility may be affected. Once the medical eye doctor (ophthalmologist) has stabilized the disease as much as possible, there are many options to improve functional abilities.

Various illuminated high powered hand and stand magnifiers can allow a person to read again. High powered glasses are also available, but they do force one to hold reading material quite close.  Special head-mounted telescopic systems are available for watching TV, or for being able to spot aisle signs while shopping, see sporting events, or identify approaching bus numbers or BART trains. The most extraordinary developments have been in the area of electronic digital technology. These are closed circuit TVs which are used for reading, writing or seeing objects at a distance. The camera is either mounted in a stand (Pulse Data International), held in the hand, or worn on the head (Enhanced Vision Systems). Some of these systems are completely portable, where glasses house a virtual screen. Other developments are print-enlarging computer software (JBliss).

In some situations the patient may qualify for the use of a driving telescope, called a Bioptic telescope. This telescope is mounted in glasses, and enables the patient to read signs. The low vision cannot be too low however to qualify for this instrument, and peripheral or side vision must be excellent.

Non-optical aids are also important: the effect of lighting and glare cannot be overestimated. Special filters can be worn to enhance contrast, reduce glare, thereby maximizing vision. There are many other useful items for the visual impaired such as talking clocks, large telephone dials, large checkbooks and TV remote controls, magnifying mirrors, writing aids.

Once a referral from the patient's ophthalmologist is received, a low vision examination is carried out, the patient's goals are identified, the pertinent low vision aids are demonstrated and tried, and then supplied to the patient with additional training, as needed.