LOW VISION

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Low vision is a subspecialty of optometry that helps people with certain eye diseases, i.e. (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, advanced glaucoma, brain injury patients, optic neuropathies, inoperable cataracts) to see with the use of special optical or non-optical devices.

A typical patient that is referred for a low vision evaluation is usually between the ages of 60-80 years old and has lost the ability to read newspapers, bills and magazines. Most of these patients have been seen by either an ophthalmologists and or Optometrists who can no longer help the patient surgically or medically.

Once seen by the Low Vision specialist the patient and the doctor try to prioritize what the patient wants to see. Typically reading bills and newspapers are at the top of most patient’s lists. The doctor then demonstrates magnifiers, microscopic lenses or electronic magnification depending on the severity of the patient’s vision loss. Telescopic lenses are available for patients who want to watch T.V. or visualize street signs from a distance.

Some patient’s vision loss is too severe for optical or non-optical devices too help. For them there are social services available that will help with orientation and mobility in and out of the house. The radio reading service provides a receiver in a patient’s house that allows them to listen to several daily newspapers that are read by volunteers across the state. There are also services through Vision Rehabilitation that will retrain the partially sighted and help with job placement if possible.

Obviously low vision evaluations encompass more than just another eye exam. No matter what the outcome of the evaluation the patient always walks away with more knowledge about their vision problem and what can be done to help.

For further information please visit the following web sites:

Montana Visual Rehabilitation

Enhanced Vision Systems (low vision aids)