Low Vision - Frequently Asked Questions
What is low vision care?
Low vision care, also known as vision rehabilitation, is a service provided by an eye care or vision rehabilitation professional that helps maximize the remaining vision of someone who has a vision impairment. Low vision care typically involves an evaluation by the professional and the use of low vision devices (also called low vision aids), rehabilitation training and other techniques.
How can low vision care help a visually impaired person?
Low vision care can help make the most of the remaining vision that a visually impaired person has in order to gain back independence and increase quality of life. With the low vision devices and the training provided by eye care and vision rehabilitation professionals, many people with a vision impairment can continue to read, take care of their own finances, view photographs and watch television―all on their own!.
What kind of visual impairments are low vision products for?
The major eye diseases and conditions for which low vision devices are used are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, Stargardt’s disease and retinopathy of prematurity, among others.
What low vision device is best for macular degeneration? diabetic retinopathy? cataracts?
Unfortunately, there is no one specific device that is ideal for any particular eye disease or condition. The device needed depends on a number of variables and varies even among people with same eye disease, which is why a low vision patient should be evaluated by a low vision specialist who can demonstrate different devices to determine which one(s) work best for that individual’s needs?
Why are there so many different types of low vision devices?
Low vision devices vary for the same reason a carpenter carries so many different tools: each is good for a different task. Depending on the job, a carpenter may use a hammer, a wrench or a screwdriver. Likewise, a visually impaired patient may use a magnifier to read a pill bottle, a telescope to watch television, and a video magnifier to read a book. Each low vision device has its own set of tasks for which it is ideal and many people often use multiple devices.
How do low vision devices help those with vision impairments?
Low vision devices make the image of an object appear larger and easier to see on the back of the eye in order to better focus on the image. The magnification that is provided by low vision devices allows the vision impaired individual to be able to see around the scotomas (dark spots) that are associated with low vision. The devices improve the contrast of the object so it can be more easily separated from its background.
What are bioptic telescopes? How do they help?
Bioptic telescopes (also called bioptics) are small telescopes attached to a pair of glasses. They come in a variety of designs (attached to the top of a pair of glasses, drilled into the lens itself, etc.). When a user looks through the telescope at a distant object, the image is enlarged making it easier to see.