What is Low Vision?

Low vision is a visual condition that affects millions of Americans, especially seniors. Simply, it is a degree of visual impairment that cannot be adjusted completely to normal vision even with the use of traditional eye glasses or contact lenses.

Q: What are some symptoms of low vision?
A: Although the degree of impairment varies from one individual to another, and may or may not affect both eyes, low vision most often is a loss of central or reading vision and loss of side or peripheral vision.
Other symptoms of low vision may include reduction or loss of color vision, difficulty in adapting from light to dark environments, and reduction of the ability to focus.

Q: Is there a difference between blindness and low vision?
A: Low vision should not be confused with blindness. Low vision patients still have some ability to see and the condition can often be improved under the care are of a low vision specialist who will prescribe aids to assist a low vision patient.

Q: What are causes of low vision?
A: A variety of disorders may lead to low vision, including birth defects, injury, disease (particularly diabetes and glaucoma), and aging.
The most common condition that causes low vision in seniors is Macular Degeneration. Simply, this condition results from a breakdown of the macular (a small central portion of the retina that is sensitive to detail and focusing) that causes difficulty with reading and close work.

Q: What should a person do who thinks he or she has a low vision problem? A: A person who thinks he or she has a low vision problem should call Dr. Azman, Director of Low Vision Services.

Q: Is there a special examination for the low vision patient?
A: The "low vision examination" should be much more extensive than a regular eye examination. Often the initial examination will last more than one hour (or can be done in two visits). Dr. Azman will need to ask many lifestyle questions in order to determine the demands on your vision. Specifically, the doctor will need to know, "What do you want to do that your limited vision is preventing or making difficult?"

Q: What happens after the exam?
A: After determining your visual needs and the health of your eyes, Dr. Azman will advise you on a variety of low vision aids. Depending on the severity of the impairment, you may be prescribed high-power glasses that are specially ordered and made with hand-ground lenses (either telescopic for distance such as the television; or microscopic for close work and reading).
If your condition is less severe, you may simply be advised to use a magnifier and given suggestions on non-optical aids, such as large-print books, enlarged phone dials, and high contrast watch faces.
Dr. Azman will also speak with you regarding correct lighting and eliminating glare both of which are very important in the success of a low vision patient.
And finally, Dr. Azman will encourage you to return for follow-up visits so he can help you adjust to any new aids.

Q. What are the chances of success?
A: Success with low vision rehabilitation is good for most patients, although many factors can affect success. First, a minimum level of vision must be present in order to benefit from rehabilitation. Second motivation is necessary, anyone who decides to begin low vision rehabilitation must be flexible and willing to work within the limitations of their particular low vision. With good medical care and a willingness to overcome limitations, the chances of success are excellent. Dr. Azman has had great success with patients who had very little vision but through evaluation and treatment, rehabilitation was possible. We encourage you to consider a consultation, if you or a loved one suffers from low vision. You may be surprised to discover what options are available.

Q: Are low vision devices easy to use?
A: Using most low vision devices requires some training and practice and this is customized for each patient and their particular vision needs. Some patients will need to change the way they perform certain tasks and this is part of the training. For example, books may be held closer to the face when using a spectacle-mounted microscope to read. While the reading process may be different than what a patient has been used to, low vision devices do not harm the eyes and do not further impair vision.

Q: Where does my regular eye doctor fit in?
A: Some patients refer themselves to Dr. Azman although many patients are referred to Dr. Azman for Low Vision Services by their regular eye doctor. After the rehabilitation goals have been addressed, patients are often returned to their regular eye doctor for ongoing care. Dr. Azman will coordinate your care with your regular eye doctor.
 

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