When conventional spectacles can no longer help and surgery or medical treatment is not appropriate, it is time to consider low vision aids. These aids come in a wide array of strengths and designs. They range from simple hand-held lenses to electronic devices. Different ones are needed for different visual tasks.
The use of a low vision aid is dependent on many factors,such as the type of vision loss, the degree of loss, the patients light and glare needs,and the ability of the patient to handle and operate the aid. The best place to obtain a low vision aid is from a low vision specialist following a comprehensive low vision examination. In the state of Pennsylvania, Medicare may cover much of the cost of the evaluation and training/therapy costs. Thought Medicare does not cover the aids, assistance in paying for aides may be available through the Blair County Office of Vocational Rehabilation to those who qualify.
Magnification is a major tool of low vision rehabilitation. But does one obtain that magnification? Moving closer to an object provides magnification. The aged related macular degeneration patient might move closer to the television. The low vision child may hold reading material only a few inches away. Magnifiers, strong bifocals, telescopic systems, large print, and computer screen magnification programs may all provide effective magnification for low vision patients.
Magnifiers are one of first low vision devices selected by patients, but unfortunately without professional guidance, patients frequently obtain magnifiers that are too low in power, too heavy and often without needed internal illumination. Small pocket magnifiers might be used to read a price tag or a menu, while larger illuminated stand magnifiers may be used at home or work. Magnifiers with brighter halogen and xenon illumination often improve reading, particularly in age related macular degeneration patients.
Strong bifocals, dedicated reading glasses and microscopic eyewear may improve reading. Patient acceptance, however, may depend on their willingness to hold reading materials close. A microscopic bifocal provides outstanding optics, but may require a working distance of only a few inches. Near telescopes, like those worn by surgeons and dentists, are used to read at greater distances and are mounted within or attach to eyewear.
To magnify distance objects, telescopic systems are frequently used. These may be handheld or mounted in eyewear called bioptics. Thousands of mildly visually impaired patients in the United States use bioptics to drive, watch television or do other distance tasks.
Our office carries a full selection of Eschenbach low vision aides , from spot magnifiers to Closed Circuit TV. For more information on low vision services and how they might help you or someone close to you, feel free to contact our office!
