How Is Low Vision Diagnosed and Treated?

How Is Low Vision Diagnosed and Treated?

Low vision is a condition where individuals experience significant vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. People with low vision often struggle with daily activities such as reading, recognizing faces, or driving. Understanding how low vision is diagnosed and treated is crucial in managing the condition and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Diagnosing Low Vision

Diagnosing low vision involves a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The goal of this exam is to assess the extent of vision loss and identify any underlying eye diseases contributing to the condition. Here’s what typically happens during a low vision evaluation:

•       Visual Acuity Test: This test measures how clearly a person can see at various distances. A standard visual acuity chart is used, where patients are asked to read letters of varying sizes. If someone’s vision is worse than 20/70, even with corrective lenses, they may be diagnosed with low vision.

•       Visual Field Test: This test evaluates a person’s peripheral vision, which is often affected by conditions like glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa. The patient is asked to focus on a central point while lights flash in different areas of their visual field, and they respond when they see the lights.

•       Contrast Sensitivity Test: Low vision may cause difficulty in distinguishing objects from their background. A contrast sensitivity test checks how well the patient can differentiate between various shades of gray and different lighting conditions.

•       Ocular Health Exam: The optometrist will examine the eye's structure to identify any eye diseases that could be causing vision loss, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts.

•       Patient History and Functional Vision Assessment: A detailed patient history is taken to understand how vision loss affects daily life. This helps in creating a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Low Vision

While low vision cannot be fully restored, treatment focuses on maximizing the patient’s remaining vision and helping them adapt to their visual impairment. Treatment is highly individualized, based on the severity of vision loss, the patient's lifestyle, and the tasks they want to perform.

Low Vision Aids

Low vision aids are specialized devices designed to help individuals make the most of their remaining vision. These include:

•          Magnifying Glasses: Handheld or stand magnifiers can enlarge text, making it easier to read.

•          Telescopic Lenses: These are used for tasks like watching TV or recognizing distant objects. They can be worn like glasses or attached to spectacles.

•          Electronic Magnifiers: Devices such as closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) and screen magnification software for computers can significantly enlarge text and images.

•          Prism Lenses: For individuals with peripheral vision loss, prism lenses can shift images into their field of view.

Vision Rehabilitation

Vision rehabilitation programs are designed to teach patients how to use their remaining vision more effectively. These programs may include:

•          Orientation and Mobility Training: This helps patients learn how to navigate their environment, whether at home or outside.

•          Daily Living Skills Training: Patients are taught how to perform everyday tasks such as cooking, dressing, or managing finances with visual impairment.

•          Assistive Technology Training: Learning to use screen readers, smartphones, and other tech tools that enhance independence.

Conclusion

Low vision diagnosis and treatment require a multifaceted approach that starts with a comprehensive eye exam and involves a combination of low vision aids, rehabilitation programs, and sometimes medical or surgical interventions. If you or someone you know is experiencing significant vision loss, it's essential to seek the guidance of an eye care professional, such as the team at Tri-City Optometry, to explore the best treatment options and improve quality of life.

For more information or to schedule a low vision evaluation, Visit Tri-City Optometry. Contact our office in Fremont, California, by calling (510) 602-2020 to book an appointment today.