eye on
LOW VISION
ask the doctor
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The doctor should discuss treatment options. |
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Q Is low vision preventable?
A While no one knows how to prevent diseases like AMD, research shows that exercising, not smoking, and cutting exposure to UV and blue light by wearing sunglasses outside can help reduce your risk. Also, it�s been shown that a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins C, A, and E) and carotenoids (found in leafy green vegetables and carrots) may slow, and possibly help prevent, age-related vision conditions like AMD and cataracts. Be sure to check with a doctor to determine the right dosage before adding vitamin supplements.
Q Will training or devices help restore vision?
A Training and/or low vision devices will not restore vision, but, with the proper training, devices will help patients make the most of their remaining vision, which will increase independence and raise quality of life. There is no such thing as an all-purpose device. Rather, they are designed to help the patient complete specific sets of tasks�like a magnifier for reading and a telescope for distance.
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Most devices are very task-specific. |
Q What is a low vision specialist?
A these are optometrists (OD) and ophthalmologists (MD) who have received specialized training in low vision. In addition to making a diagnosis and suggesting a course of rehabilitation to take advantage of the patient�s remaining vision and functioning, they also prescribe low vision devices or refer out for other rehabilitative services. As part of a training and rehabilitation program, the patient may also work with low vision or occupational therapists and techni-cians, including certified low vision therapists, and in some cases, orientation and mobility specialists.
Q Does insurance cover devices and services?
A Health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare do not usually cover the cost of devices. Though some private providers do not, most Medicare programs do cover low vision exams as well as low vision rehabilitation by a low vision or occupational therapist or other rehabilitation professionals when prescribed by a doctor.
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LEARNING THE LINGO |
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Dealing with low vision is like learning a new language.
Here are a few of the terms you�re likely to hear: ADL Activities of daily living. Adaptive technology Electronic magnification systems like closed-circuit TVs (CCTVs) and computers. Eccentric viewing Not looking directly at an object, but rather learning to focus an image onto a healthier part of the retina. This is used when central vision has been diminished. Functional vision loss How vision loss affects the ability to function and perform typical daily living tasks. Legal blindness Defined in the U.S. as central visual acuity of 20/200 or less, which means that what a normal-sighted person can see at 200 feet, a legally blind person will see at 20 feet, or a field of 20 percent or less. Low vision services The examination and accompanying education that lead to and determine what devices will be prescribed. Orientation and mobility Training to help the partially sighted get around safely and as independently as possible. Vision rehabilitation A continuum of vision care including your ophthalmologist, optometrist, low vision clinician, low vision or occupational therapist, office technician and/or optician, as well as an array of community-based organizations providing support for the visually impaired. Visual acuity The ability to see detail (see definition of legal blindness). |
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