Low vision the term used for people with vision that is impaired and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. While medically many conditions may not be treatable, there are a lot of devices that a person can be fit for which can drastically improve independence.
The most common disease that causes low vision is macular degeneration, which is found in either dry or wet form in those over the age of 50, or as juvenile macular degeneration such as Stargardt and Bests and Juvenile Retinoschisis.
Additional causes of low vision include; diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, Cataracts, eye injuries and hereditary conditions.
Help for Macular Degeneration near Anaheim, CA
The Low Vision Optometry of Southern California eye doctor, Dr. Shuldiner, provides the highest level of care for patients with macular degeneration. He will assess the patients visual level and ask the patient about their goals for vision.
Based on the low vision assessment your Anaheim eye doctor will provide tailor made solutions which may include specific supplements following the AREDS2 formula, telescope or bioptic telescope glasses, escoop or magnified readers, computer software, magnifiers and CCTV, and in advanced cases our eye doctor may recommend implantable telescopes (IMT) such as Centrasight. A variety of low vision devices are available near Anaheim.
Telescopes for Low Vision
One of the most amazing innovations in eyecare is the miniature implantable telescope. This telescope, created by Centrasight, is implanted in one of the eyes and replaces the lens with a telescope that acts like a camera zoom.
The eye with the telescope is responsible for center vision while the other eye processes peripheral.
Patients with end stage macular degeneration, that have center sight loss in both eyes have averaged a 3-4 line improvement as well as noticeable improvement in their quality of life.
Living with Low Vision
Low vision can be a tremendous shock for people and lead to many negative consequences if not handled properly. Aside from the vision loss which is devastating on its own, a low vision person loses their ability in many cases to live independently.
Previously important aspects of their life like driving, working, reading, and cooking can become difficult. In many cases the vision loss can effect their ability to walk around Anaheim safely causing tremendous stress on the patient and their family. One of the hardest things a low vision patient faces is their lack of mobility. In many cases it seems like overnight they lost their ability to get around to work, the store, or to go out with friends.
Luckily there are many ways to live a normal, productive, happy and independent life with low vision.
Driving with Low Vision
California is one of the 41 states that allows the use of bioptic telescopes as a driving aid. With the bioptic telescope, a driver who has corrected vision of 20-40 can receive full driving privileges, and with 20-60 a day time restricted license.
Located near Anaheim, our eye doctor will assess if bioptics for driving are the right choice for you, and will assist in the process of becoming a low vision driver in the state of California.
Low Vision Consult for Anaheim
Technology has progressed rapidly allowing those who previously were left with little option for a normal life, the chance for a happy and independent life with low vision. The treatment options are abundant such as bioptics and telescopic implants for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which are already considered very mainstream.
While not every solution is fit for every body, we will be happy to help you navigate the many options for low vision aids. Additionally for day to day there are amazing computer programs for easier computer usage, digital magnifiers, and much more. Call your low vision optometrist near Anaheim, today!