What is low vision?
Low vision refers to a condition where you don’t see well enough to perform everyday tasks, even with glasses, contacts, or medical eye care. This includes difficulties with reading, walking, cooking, playing cards, and driving.
What causes low vision?
There are many causes of low vision, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt’s disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and albinism. It can also be a combination of multiple issues.
How is a Low Vision Examination different?
A Low Vision Examination lasts about an hour and is focused on vision and function, rather than treating eye disease. The exam is divided into four parts. The first part involves a discussion with the patient to determine how low vision affects their daily life. The second part involves testing to determine the level of impairment. The third part involves working with magnification, illumination, and other low vision devices to find solutions for the patient’s “wish list” of goals. The final part is another conversation to determine the best solution for each individual task.
What are the costs involved?
A Low Vision Examination takes one hour and costs $300.00. If you have medicare or a PPO a portion of the exam fee is commonly covered.. The cost of low vision glasses varies depending on the type of lenses prescribed, such as telescopic, microscopic, prismatic, E-Scoop®, monocular, binocular, full field, wide field, or bioptic designs. The glasses may also include special lighting or tinting to reduce glare and optimize retinal function.
How long does it take to get the low vision glasses?
It usually takes three to four weeks to fabricate specialized low vision glasses.
What is the Complimentary Telephone Interview?
All patients receive a complimentary telephone interview before scheduling a Low Vision Examination. During this interview, the doctor can determine the likelihood of helping the patient. The goal is to avoid wasting the patient’s time and money if they cannot be helped.
What is the difference between a regular eye exam and a low vision exam?
A regular eye exam focuses on diagnosing and treating eye diseases and prescribing corrective lenses to improve vision. A low vision exam, on the other hand, is designed to help people with permanent vision loss make the most of their remaining vision through the use of specialized devices and techniques.
Will low vision devices restore my vision to normal?
Unfortunately, low vision devices cannot restore vision to normal. However, they can often help people with low vision to perform tasks they were previously unable to do, such as reading, writing, or driving.
Can I use my regular glasses or contacts as low vision devices?
No, regular glasses or contacts cannot serve as low vision devices. Low vision devices are specialized devices that are designed to maximize the remaining vision of people with permanent vision loss.
Can children with low vision benefit from a low vision exam?
Yes, children with low vision can benefit from a low vision exam. Children with low vision face unique challenges and may require specialized devices and techniques to help them perform everyday tasks and succeed in school.
What can I expect during a low vision exam?
During a low vision exam, your eye doctor will ask you about your vision goals and perform a series of tests to determine the level of vision loss you are experiencing. They may also work with you to try out different low vision devices and techniques to see which ones work best for you. Finally, they will make recommendations for specialized low vision glasses or other devices to help you achieve your vision goals.