Low vision is a term used to describe vision problems that can’t be corrected with prescription glasses, contacts, or eye surgery. If you have low vision, you may be categorized as partially sighted (meaning you can have visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with corrective lenses) or legally blind (meaning your vision won’t go beyond 20/200, even with corrective aids). At Sylvan Eye Associates in Modesto, we have ample experience treating individuals with low vision. We’ll help you manage the symptoms of this eye condition and show you ways to maximize your remaining sight.
Causes of Low Vision
Low vision can be caused by eye injuries, eye diseases, or inherited diseases. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are just some of the eye diseases that can lead to low vision. Many eye diseases have no symptoms in their early stages, meaning you may not discover you have the disease until it has caused permanent damage to your sight.
By scheduling regular eye exams, your optometrist or ophthalmologist can monitor your eye health to detect signs of eye diseases in their early stages. Early detection and treatment of these diseases can help prevent or slow down the effects of low vision. If you sustain an eye injury, contact your eye doctor immediately for treatment to avoid vision loss.
Low Vision Symptoms
After a comprehensive eye exam, we can determine if you’re suffering from low vision. Low vision symptoms include loss of central vision, loss of peripheral vision, blurred or hazy vision and night blindness.
Low Vision Treatment
Low vision treatment is generally catered to a patient’s individual needs. Here at Sylvan Eye Associates, we will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause and extent of your vision loss before recommending options for treatment.
Depending on your situation, your low vision treatment may entail wearing specialty eyeglasses or using low vision optical systems such as hand-held, stand, or head worn magnifiers, low vision telescopes, low vision sunglasses or other low vision aids.
Low vision aids can help you maximize the sight you have left so you can continue to live an independent lifestyle. With the help of low vision aids, you can partake of many of the activities you’ve always enjoyed, including cooking, reading, watching TV, playing games, computer work, and more. You’ll also find it easier to perform daily tasks like dressing, bathing, grooming, etc., despite your vision loss.
See Your Modesto Eye Doctor for Low Vision Treatment
Don’t let low vision keep you from living a productive, happy life. Contact your Modesto eye doctor from Sylvan Eye Associates at (209) 575-2020 today to schedule a consultation for low vision diagnosis and treatment.