Low Vision

Maximizing Vision, Regaining Independence
Low Vision Services Minnesota

Dr. Thomas Lenz, an associate with Family Eye Center, graduated from Concordia College. He earned his doctor of optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, where he was awarded the Dr. Myrel A. Neumann Scholarship for clinical excellence. After obtaining his doctorate degree, Dr. Lenz completed a one-year hospital-based residence training program in ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation at a VA Medical Center in Chicago.

What is Low Vision?
Low Vision is a term used to describe having impaired but some useful vision that cannot be fully corrected by conventional eyewear, surgery, or medical treatments. It is estimated that over 13 million Americans have some degree of functional vision loss.

What Conditions Lead to Low Vision?
There are many eye diseases that can significantly impair vision. These are usually chronic conditions that affect either the front or the back of the eye. Listed below are three of the most prevalent causes of low vision in the United Sates.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) - Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment in older adults. Patients with ARMD have extreme distortion of their central vision. This can make reading and other tasks that were very easy much more difficult.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (Diabetic Eye Disease)  - Diabetes Mellitus is the most common cause of preventable blindness in middle-aged Americans. Patients with severe visual impairment from diabetes often note a generalized reduction in visual acuity (sharpness) as well as decreased contrast. Bright lights and glare can also cause vision to fluctuate.

Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a disease that can go undetected without yearly eye exams. In the early stages, the disease has virtually no symptoms. However, in undetected or extremely advanced cases, glaucoma can lead to severe visual impairment with reduced peripheral vision. Seeking Minnesota Glaucoma Doctors

What is a Low Vision Exam?
During a low vision exam, your doctor will review your condition that has caused the visual impairment. The doctor will then focus on maximizing the remaining functional vision. You will be asked about certain specific goals and realistic expectations regarding your visual rehabilitation. Based on the results of your low vision evaluation, certain low vision devices can be prescribed to maximize remaining vision and help regain independence.

What are Low Vision Devices?
Low vision devices are optical or non-optical aids to help you perform a task that would be difficult because of visual impairment. Listed below are some of the most useful low vision aids.

Stand Magnifier – A stand magnifier provides proper magnification for prolonged near activities, such as reading. The device is simply set down and moved across the material you wish to read. It works very well for people with arthritis or hand tremors. 

Hand Held Magnifier – A hand held magnifier is an excellent tool for quick spot-checking items at near. This device is great for people on the go. It is very small and portable and can easily be used at the grocery store to check price tags, or at a restaurant to help read the menu.

Hand Held Telescope – A hand held telescope is used to spot check objects in the distance. It can be very helpful when in a new surrounding. It is also very small and portable. One of many uses would be to check a flight time or gate number.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) – A CCTV is very helpful for people with severe visual impairment. It is a computer where reading material or even family pictures can be magnified. The material you wish to look at is simply placed under the monitor and it appears on the screen. The image can be magnified up to 32X!