We’ve come a long way since 1270, when Marco Polo discovered elderly Chinese people using magnifying glasses to read.
Technology for people with low vision has changed dramatically—even in the last few years! Today, people with low vision have unprecedented access to cutting-edge medical procedures as well as a wide range of low vision devices and aids, including high-tech headsets and mobile phone apps that help them to read, navigate the world around them, and recognize faces.
If you or someone you love is living with low vision, contact Dr. Richard Shuldiner to discover which low vision devices or low vision glasses will help you live more independently.
Low Vision Electronic Devices
There are a number of low-vision devices and low vision glasses that may help you make the most of your remaining vision.
Macular degeneration causes people to lose central vision when the center of the eye’s retina (the macula) degenerates with age. While macular degeneration is considered incurable, a system using VR goggles and software to magnify the field of vision are sometimes the best way to help those with macular degeneration maximize the use of their remaining vision.
This headset system can help restore the user’s ability to watch TV, read, and do other everyday activities.
Other new assistive technologies include video magnifiers, desktop closed-circuit TV (CCTV) systems, and screen readers. These all allow people to have an up-close view of screens that their vision cannot provide, allowing them to see images and texts more clearly.
Low Vision Apps
Tablets and smartphones now have built-in capabilities for people with low vision, such as:
- High-definition screens that improve visual clarity
- Camera lenses that capture and magnify images
- Speakers that convey directions and words
- Microprocessors for assistive mobile applications
- GPS receivers for location-awareness and navigation
Moreover, artificial intelligence can now vocalize written words and sentences so that you understand what you're seeing—no matter how limited your vision may be.
Low-Vision Assistant Options Keep Growing
There are countless new technologies that can help people live better lives with low vision. However, determining which assistive technologies can best address your needs may feel overwhelming. Low Vision Optometry of Southern California will be happy to help by matching you with the latest and more suitable low vision device so you can live your best life.
Low Vision Optometry of Southern California serves patients from Riverside, Orange County, Temecula, and Mission Viejo, all throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions with low vision specialist in Riverside:
Q: What is low vision?
- A: Low vision is when a person loses sight that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Low vision can include poor night vision, blurry vision, and blind spots.
Q: Are there other types of low vision aids?
- A: here are now many low vision aids that can successfully provide improvement in vision and quality of life. Popular low vision devices include:- Magnifying glasses
- Telescopic glasses
- Reading prisms
- Hand magnifiers
- Lenses that filter light