Understanding Low Vision at Evanston Eyecare

At some point in your life, you might experience a decline in your vision even after using glasses or contact lenses. This phenomenon is known as low vision, and it's quite common among individuals over the age of 60. If left unaddressed, low vision can have a significant impact on your independence and quality of life.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to an impaired visual ability that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication. It's usually the result of damage to some part of the eye or brain due to aging, trauma, genetic conditions, or diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Low vision can manifest as partial sight, blurred vision, or a limited ability to distinguish colors or shapes.

The term 'low vision' is often used interchangeably with 'partial sight', 'vision loss' or 'visual impairment'. However, they are not exactly the same. While all low vision patients have some degree of vision loss, not all vision-loss patients suffer from low vision.

Symptoms of Low Vision

If you're struggling to see clearly even after wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may be suffering from low vision. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty reading print, even when using a magnifying glass
• Inability to recognize faces at a distance
• Problems seeing details like small objects or patterns
• Trouble driving at night or in poor lighting conditions

These symptoms can be frustrating and make everyday tasks much more difficult than they should be. However, there are many ways to manage and improve low vision through orthoptic consultations, specialized low vision products, and personalized solutions tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Services Available for Low Vision

Evanston Eyecare offers comprehensive services for individuals experiencing low vision. Our team of optometrists are trained to conduct a thorough assessment of your eyesight and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

One of the key aspects of our approach is the use of orthoptic consultation. Orthoptics is an area of optometry that focuses on the diagnosis and management of vision problems related to eye alignment, eye movement, and coordination between the two eyes. Through orthoptic consultations, we can identify any underlying issues contributing to your low vision and develop targeted solutions.

In addition to orthoptic consultation, we also offer specialized low vision products such as high-powered reading glasses, handheld and stand magnifiers, video magnifiers, telescopic lenses, and electronic reading aids. These tools are designed to enhance your remaining vision and help you regain some level of independence.

We believe that every individual deserves access to the highest quality eye care. That's why we strive to provide personalized solutions tailored to each patient's unique needs. By working closely with our patients, we can help them understand their condition, develop effective strategies for managing their low vision, and regain control of their life.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know is experiencing low vision, don't hesitate to contact Evanston Eyecare for a consultation. Our team of optometrists are dedicated to helping our patients regain their sight and enhance their quality of life.

We understand that dealing with low vision can be overwhelming and frustrating. But you don't have to face it alone. With the right support and resources, you can learn how to manage your condition and maintain your independence.

Don't let low vision control your life. Take the first step towards better vision today by reaching out to Evanston Eyecare. We look forward to helping you see clearly once again!

By Evanston Eyecare

February 5, 2024