What is Low Vision?
Low vision is an eyesight condition which causes a person to be unable to accomplish daily tasks due to sight impairments. Low vision occurs when an individual struggles with any of the following common activities:
Individuals with low vision are unable to have their sight corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Millions of Americans experience a normal loss of vision as they get older. However, the number of individuals who develop vision problems due to health conditions is projected to continue to rise.
Many things can cause low vision, including:
Is There a Low Vision Cure?
It is uncommon and rare to restore—in its entirety—vision that is lost. Vision specialists can determine whether the loss of vision experienced is normal due to aging, or if it is caused by other sources such as eye disease. A vision specialist can also help to determine if a vision rehabilitation program will be able to help an individual with low vision.
According to a study conducted by the National Eye Institute, there are an estimated 278,000 visually impaired US residents in their 40-50’s. This number substantially increased to 840,000 for individuals in their 60-70’s. The NEI projects that 5.5 million—or 1 in 28—Americans will feel the effects of low vision problems by 2020.
Could you be suffering from Low Vision? Use the Amsler Grid Low Vision Test to find out.
Technology is advancing to meet the growing needs of people with low vision impairments.
What to Know and Ask about Equipment & Devices
There are a number of products that can help individuals with low vision. While considering the correct vision enhancer, keep in mind a few objectives:
The experts at Enhanced Vision understand that every eye is unique and that there is no ‘fix-all’ device. However, there are several popular equipment options on the market today to help aid low vision.
Some of the great low vision aids provided by Enhanced Vision include the following:
Desktop devices, particularly those by Merlin, have large, bright screens. A reading table offers visual aid for reading books, optional computer connectivity and more. This family of portable magnification units offers up to 75x magnification. Their electronic magnifiers are perfect for close up viewing as well as distance viewing.
Transportable magnification screens, specifically those in the Acrobat family, are perfect for close up viewing as well as distance viewing.
These great viewers offer great flexibility, from watching TV to using the mirror image feature for self-viewing. They also feature:
Portable magnifiers, such as the Pebble HD and the Amigo portable magnifiers, offer magnified reading on the go. Perfect for menus, shopping lists, label reading, and more, portable magnifiers can fit in your pocket, purse, or be worn on the belt for quick, easy use. Handheld, portable, and electronic, these devices offer a variety of features:
Enhanced Vision provides progressive technology that is flexible and easy to use. Our product lines feature only the best vision devices as we continue to develop new visual aids. And our friendly staff is here to help. We would love to assist you in finding the right low vision aid for yourself or your loved ones. Call us today at 888-811-3161.