Low Vision Device For Central Vision Loss

Early identification and treatment of vision loss is vital in order to preserve sight and limit further damage. While lost vision cannot be completely restored, an interdisciplinary team consisting of low vision doctors and rehab personnel such as occupational therapists or orientation/mobility specialists can assist people living with low vision live more fulfilling lives.

The eSight system features a miniature photovoltaic implant that converts images on a video screen into electric current, stimulating inner retinal cells with each pulse of electric current produced. Currently being evaluated in an ongoing U.S. clinical trial for end-stage macular degeneration.

Binocular Telescopic Devices

Telescopic devices provide central vision loss patients with a solution to reduce eye strain and fatigue by magnifying objects of interest to reduce strain and fatigue on the eyes. Telescopic devices enlarge distant objects on retinal images so that patients can view them comfortably, without discomfort or needing to maintain head positioning in order to avoid diplopia (double vision).

Telescopic devices may be used in combination with other low vision aids, including glare reduction systems such as tinted lenses, visors and absorptive filters to decrease light reflection from surfaces such as snow, sand, water or car headlights into your eyes. Many low vision clinics routinely prescribe such systems alongside other telescopic devices.

Telescopic devices must be familiar and comfortable for optimal usage and performance, which is why low vision practitioners must educate their patients on how to operate these devices effectively, including what visual skills are necessary. Patient training often forms part of an overall rehabilitation service which may also include clinical low vision exams as well as orientation and mobility (O&M) therapy and visual therapy services.

The Eschenbach MaxTV is an easy to use binocular telescopic device, ideal for viewing TV and other sedentary viewing tasks such as reading/writing. Patients can gain instant gratification upon working with this device. It can also be used as an effective reading/writing aid.

Politzer Full Diameter and Bioptic Telescopes are another popular binocular telescopic device, offering large exit pupils for use as either high power telescopic devices or pseudo-phakic correction. Suitable for individuals suffering from macular degeneration, Stargardt’s disease, albinism, inoperable cataracts or glaucoma who require magnification with wide field-of-view magnification capabilities.

Modular binocular-like vision assemblies offer one of the newest and smallest options in telescopic glasses, boasting interconnecting inner (320, 330) and outer (310, 344) optical modules that are interlocked by interconnections (310, 344) that make up modular binocular assemblies. Modules may be removed to correct for astigmatic or spherical correction as desired; any taken out do not affect pressure seals or reduce performance for remaining modules in assembly.

Electronic Magnifiers

There are various nonprescription devices designed to assist people with low vision in accomplishing everyday tasks. These optical devices use lenses or prisms to magnify or alter images and can be handheld, placed on bases or stands or embedded into eyeglasses. There are also electronic magnifiers which are portable enough to use with computer monitors or televisions and designed specifically for reading, crossword puzzle completion or writing letters or emails.

Traditionally, hand magnifiers were prescribed for patients suffering central vision loss; however, these visual aids can be cumbersome and limit your field of vision, and may not provide sufficient contrast enhancement. Tablet computers and e-readers offer greater portability, offer a larger field of view and feature backlit contrast enhancement features; additionally they can even come equipped with text-to-speech software which read printed or handwritten words out loud for enhanced readability.

Desktop electronic magnifiers range in complexity from arm mounted magnifying glasses to magnifiers with camera imaging displayed on a screen. These advanced options can provide significant magnification power, with features like self-viewing (mirror image for grooming), computer/media connectivity and special purpose viewing modes tailored specifically for low vision needs.

There are mobile versions of these devices to suit a range of needs, including TV magnifiers and digital cameras for smartphones, tablets and laptops. A mouse-shaped electronic TV magnifier connects directly to television screens or monitors without wires that could trip you up.

Handheld or head-borne monocular or binocular distance-vision devices provide people with limited vision with access to television viewing, shopping, sporting events and recreational activities. Other devices, including phones, watches, blood pressure cuffs and remote control devices that communicate their information using sound rather than numbers/images are also helpful tools that may ease access for those without vision limitations.

If you have macular degeneration or other central vision loss, work closely with an ophthalmologist to identify effective strategies and visual aids that are tailored specifically to your individual needs. Sometimes even simple adjustments, like increasing lighting levels and larger print books can make an impressive difference in quality of life.

Wearable Devices

As the selection of optical and nonoptical devices available to low vision patients is extensive and constantly expanding, practitioners must carefully consider multiple factors when helping their patients select an ideal device, including goals, best-corrected visual acuity correction levels, magnification size requirements and portability (including battery life).

Nonoptical devices exist to assist users with various tasks, from reading and navigation to fatigue reduction and overall experience with visual environments. Examples of such tools are large-print items such as address books or cookbooks as well as cookbooks with audio files for listening purposes or apps that convert printed text to audio or provide real-time information overlay.

Some low vision aids are designed to assist users in using computers, tablets, and other digital devices more easily and accurately. Special software programs may display content in larger print or read it aloud; others provide high-contrast settings; portable electronic devices can amplify images on LCD monitors to make viewing them simpler.

Pixium Vision’s research study to treat end-stage atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by implanting sub-retinal photovoltaic wireless chips that stimulate retinas can offer hope to those suffering central vision loss. This technology could one day restore reading abilities and enable individuals to engage with their world once again.

No matter the cause, many individuals with low vision can regain functional vision with treatment and equipment tailored specifically for them. If you or someone close to you is living with low vision, scheduling an appointment with a specialist is key to finding solutions and improving independence and quality of life. An optometrist trained in low vision evaluation and recommendation may provide solutions tailored specifically to their needs as well as work closely with occupational therapists and orientation and mobility specialists on care teams to make sure you have all resources necessary for full participation in life.

Non-Optical Devices

Over three million individuals in the U.S. suffer from low vision. Though they don’t have normal eyesight, these individuals still possess usable vision that can be enhanced with certain devices. Vision loss may result from birth defects, inherited diseases, diabetes, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration – among many other conditions or injuries.

These devices are intended to increase a person’s ability to conduct daily activities without losing independence, compensating for vision loss by improving environmental perception, moving objects closer to the eye and increasing illumination. One popular form of optical device used for low vision is magnifiers; these magnifiers enlarge an object’s image using plus and/or minus lenses to magnify it further. Magnifiers may be hand-held, stand mounted or spectacle mounted and come in various strengths; illuminated versions may make seeing easier while others offer binocular or prism addition lenses which enhance binocular vision capabilities.

Optic devices come in various forms, from handheld magnifiers to large binocular telescopes worn as eyeglasses. Their best use lies within an integrated rehabilitation program which includes vision therapy and training for their user.

Non-optical devices don’t rely on lenses to magnify images, instead changing how a person perceives their environment. Examples of non-optical devices include illuminated hand or stand magnifiers, bold-lined paper, writing guides, talking watches and self-threading needles – some may even be available through community service organizations for free! These non-optical solutions may also be more cost effective and affordable options when purchased directly or from an affordable vendor.

Whatever its cause may be, early identification and treatment of visual impairment is critical to protecting existing eyesight and delaying disease or injury progression. Medical rehabilitative therapies, optical and non-optical solutions and closed circuit television can all provide individuals with tools necessary for maintaining quality of life and living independently. Contact your local Feinbloom Center for an assessment and a detailed discussion about possible options available to them.