by Dr. Alexis G. Malkin, OD and David Bradburn, AT Specialist, HumanWare
Editor’s note: Join us on March 31, 2021, @ 1:00 pm (EST), for the first a series of two webinars in which Dr. Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO, and David Bradburn from HumanWare will discuss the importance of routine eye exams, low vision exams, and showcase low vision devices.
For people with low vision; reading, writing, recognizing faces, watching TV, or driving a car can be difficult. As we age, these visual tasks can become even more difficult over time. Scheduling regular eye exams for yourself, a parent, or someone close to you is an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Depending on the exam, an eye care professional may recommend prescription low-vision glasses or several low-vision aids or devices to help you maintain your hobbies and daily activities. But what exactly is the difference between a regular eye exam and a low vision exam?
Types of Eye Exams
When we hear the term âeye examâ most of us think of the routine eye exams we receive at from our eye doctor or perhaps a series of exams with an ophthalmologic specialist. These routine exams are important, even if we do not wear glasses or contact lenses. An eye exam can reveal a lot about our general health. The general recommendation is that adults should receive a comprehensive eye exam every two years unless there are other factors such as a family history of eye disease, in which case your doctor may prescribe more frequent visits.
A low vision exam focuses on functional vision and helping people return to a level of visual function and independence that they may have lost since developing an eye disease. Low-vision doctors work with patients to understand their goals whether those goals are related to vocational needs, independence with daily living, or hobbies and other interests.
Low Vision Exams
The low vision exam consists of an extensive functional history as well as a detailed assessment of a glasses prescription. Once completed, the doctor helps determine what other devices or strategies will be most helpful for the patient. Devices can include, but are not limited to:Â
- Strong glasses for specific tasks
- Optical magnifiers
- Telescopes
- Electronic magnifying systems
- Computer/cell phone accessibility
In addition, low vision clinics also educate patients about community resources, mobility training, and transportation access. Check VisionAware Directory of Services to find these services.
Most people seeking low vision services are affected by age-related diseases which include macular degeneration, glaucoma, and complications from diabetes. Each of these conditions affects vision uniquely but can limit a person’s ability to see faces, read small print, and walk or drive safely. For these reasons, low vision exams are very individualized to a patient’s specific needs and goals.âŻ
Low Vision Tools and Solutions
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with vision loss, there are services and products available to help maintain an independent lifestyle. Electronic magnifiers are one of those products. There are many different types of electronic magnifiers: some are handheld and small enough to fit in your pocket, while others are designed for placement on a desk or table.
Digital Handheld Magnifiers
Handheld magnifiers are generally equipped with a 5 to 8-inch screen. They can magnify an object up to 30 times and display text in contrasting colors for easier reading.
Portable Video Magnifiers
At 16 inch or more, portable video magnifiers are a little larger than hand-held devices. They are foldable for carrying. With the added size, portable video magnifiers can also include more functions. Some of those functions include optical character recognition (OCR) and text to speech (TTS) technologies that convert printed words into speech. They can also have the capacity to view objects across a room.
Interested in Learning More about Low Vision and Low Vision solutions?
As noted, our webinar on March 31 is the first in a series of two webinars on low vision that will detail the steps of a low vision exam, how a low-vision exam differs from a routine exam, some of the common conclusions and recommendations from a low vision exam, and next steps. Mr. Bradburn will then provide a brief description and presentation of two low-vision technology solutions. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions of both presenters.