Low Vision Aids
-Seeing Beyond Limits: Low Vision Aids, High Hope-
Low Vision Aids at
Nethra Foundations
Low vision is the loss of sight that is not correctible with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. This type of vision loss does not include complete blindness, because there is still some sight and it can sometimes be improved with the use of visual aids. Low vision includes different degrees of sight loss, from blind spots, poor night vision, and problems with glare to an almost complete loss of sight. Low Vision Aids are devices designed to help people with poor vision read and see. Examples include standing and hand-held magnifiers, strong magnifying reading glasses, loupes, and small telescopes. These devices provide greatly increased magnification capabilities along with higher-quality optics (i.e. the way the lens bends or refracts light). Often prescribed by an eye doctor, these devices are different from your normal eyesight glasses and magnifiers.
Low vision devices can help:
- Magnifiers
- Reading glasses
- Reading telescopes
- Video magnifiers
- Portable electronic magnifiers
- Other reading devices
Question & Answer
Magnifiers j
Hand-held magnifiers are among the most affordable low vision devices for reading, and some are illuminated to make print even more visible. Other magnifiers that are mounted on height-adjustable stands or supported by a band that hangs from your neck also are available.
Reading glasses
Special high-power reading glasses can help a person with low vision read small print. These are available in single vision designs or as bifocals. Though these stronger-than-normal reading glasses take some getting used to (you have to position your face closer to reading material), a low vision specialist can demonstrate the best way to use them.
Reading telescopes.
These low vision devices often are mounted on the lenses of eyeglasses and provide high magnification while allowing the wearer to view reading material from a normal distance. Again, some training is needed to use these devices properly, but reading telescopes often are very helpful. Hand-held versions also are available.
Video magnifiers.
These desktop devices include a camera lens that displays highly magnified images on a video monitor or computer screen. You can sit as close to the screen as necessary and adjust the magnification, brightness, contrast and color of the display to your liking.
Portable electronic magnifiers.
Also available are portable electronic devices that resemble an iPad or other lightweight tablet computer. You can hold this device in front of reading material and a magnified view appears on the LED screen.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. CVS can be prevented. The first step towards prevention is to be aware. CVS sets in often due to the assumption that mild discomfort is inevitable at computer work. The early signs are overlooked and this gives way to stronger problems. Awareness of what is ideal for the eye and visual system to work comfortably is thus the first step. The web is a great source of information for this awareness. But improper use of the information and poor understanding of the intricate visual process can often lead to more discomfort than we could tell. This is where professional counsel comes in handy to educate ourselves on the best ways to utilize our ocular and ergonomic resources with the least effect on the human body.