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Questions about Low Vision

Q: What is meant by the term low vision?
 
Many would define low vision as vision that has been reduced to 20/60 best corrected (meaning that a person with their best correction for glasses would need a letter on the chart to be a minimum of 3x the size for them to see what a person with "normal" 20/20 vision can see). We find that anyone, regardless of measurement of visual acuity, who has less then optimal vision and is experiencing problems with daily living can benefit from a low vision exam and glasses or devices. 
 
Q: What are the causes of low vision?
 
There are a myriad of causes- too many to list! Some of the most common causes for adults include macular degeneration, glaucoma, DIABETES, optic atrophy, cataracts and corneal diseases such as keratoconus. For children we more commonly see glaucoma, optic atrophy, albinism, cortical blindness, hypoplasia and other 
 
Q: Who is at greater risk for low vision?
 
Because there are so many causes for reduced vision anyone can be at risk at any age. The bulk of patients we see are generally under 18 or over 65. This is because many common eye diseases are either congenital (something you are born with) or 
 
Q: Is low vision just a function of getting older?
 
Not necessarily but macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in patients over 65 year of age, is becoming more of an epidemic. According to the National Eye Institute run by our government age related macular degeneration now affects more then 1.75 million people in the US and is expected to continue to rise rapidly to 3 
 
Q: How does low vision impact peoples’ lives?
 
Vision loss can be devastating and affect every aspect of life. With low vision glasses and devices we can help someone with vision loss maintain their independence and 
 
Q: What options are available today for a person with low vision?
 
Today we have so much technology to work with from special tinting and coatings for glasses to computer voice input/output and electronic magnifying devices. With a low vision exam we can help customize the best options for you. 
 
Q: What resources and strategies can help people perform daily tasks at home?
 
There are many resources available including those from the state and not- for- profit organizations, for those who qualify, that can aid in everything from teaching mobility and daily living skills (cooking, laundry, taking medication, ext…) to getting transportation. At Eye Vision Associates we can help problem solve many issues you may have at home or work as well as find other resources and complete the necessary paperwork to get additional aid as needed.