Your Health

Help For People With Low Vision

Posted 7/22/2010

Liz Wells, a young girl diagnosed with ocular albinism, gets fitted for her bioptic telescopic glasses.

(NAPSI)-An increasing number of Americans are seeing their way clear to seeing better with the help of technology.

Now that physicians have been specially trained to use technology, they are using it to help overcome the effects of such eye diseases as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and ocular albinism.

The Problems

Macular degeneration is generally associated with aging and results in damaging sharp and central vision.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive, genetic disease that starts with difficulty seeing at night, advances to tunnel vison and could end with complete blindness, though not always.

Ocular albinism is an inherited condition in which the eyes lack melanin pigment, causing various vision problems including reduced vision; nystagmus, an involuntary back-and-forth movement of the eye; strabismus, which is crossed eyes or lazy eye; and a sensitivity to bright light. These three vision-limiting conditions are all inoperable, but highly trained, low-vision optometrists can help patients function visually again.

A Solution

Believing there is life after vision loss, doctors use telescopic, miniature microscopes and prismatic glasses to help those with vision deficiencies perform such activities as reading, writing, playing sports and games, watching TV and, in some cases, even driving.

Said one patient, "I used to walk with a cane, and with these telescope glasses, I can walk faster and without the cane. I don't bump into things anymore. I used to be able to read only one or two words at a time; with these glasses, I can read several words, which helps me read more efficiently and to see my computer."

What You Can Do

If you or someone you care about is struggling with vision loss, you can learn more from the experts at the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists. They can tell you how to find the nearest optometrist who can help you and will arrange for you to speak with a doctor over the phone at no cost, to see if you are a candidate. Call (888) 778-2030 or visit www.IALVS.org.