أ.محمد العشي
26-01-2007, 11:42 PM
Signs of Low Vision
Difficulty recognizing a familiar face
Difficulty reading -- print appears broken or distorted
Difficulty seeing objects and potential obstacles such as steps, curbs, walls and furniture
Vision Is a Continuum
Vision is a complex sense, encompassing the ability to perceive detail (acuity), color and contrast, and to distinguish objects. These capacities can diminish naturally with age. While most visual changes can be corrected by glasses, medicine or surgery, visual changes caused by eye disease, poor health or injury can cause permanent vision loss. If the loss is total, the result is blindness. If it is partial, the result is a vision impairment known as "low vision." A person with low vision has severely reduced visual acuity or a significantly obstructed field of vision -- or both.
Low Vision = Usable Vision
People with low vision retain some usable vision. Ophthalmologists and optometrists specializing in low vision care can evaluate patients and prescribe optical devices to maximize remaining vision.
Improving Visual Functioning with the Help of Devices
To a person with low vision, a visual image -- whether a sentence from a book or a crosswalk at a busy intersection -- may appear distorted, blurred or incomplete. But with the help of low vision devices, the quality of the image can usually be improved. One or more of these devices may be prescribed or recommended after a low vision specialist thoroughly evaluates a person's remaining visual function.
Spectacles for Reading
Half glasses with reading prisms
High-powered reading lenses
Microscopes
Reading telescopes
High-powered bifocals
Telescopes for Distance Vision
Hand-held monocular
Hand-held binocular
Spectacle mounted
Focusable, non-focusable or auto-focus
Absorptive Lenses
Photochromic
Ultraviolet (UV) blocking
Gradient tints
Stand Magnifiers
Adjustable stand
Video Magnifiers
Enlargers for reading
Black-and-white or color
Hand Magnifiers
Illuminated
Non-illuminated
Adaptive devices (non-optical)
Large-print clocks, timers, calculators, remote controls, watches, books
Bold, felt-tipped pens
Signature and writing guides
Talking watches and clocks and more ...
Comprehensive Low Vision Services
Low vision services are provided by specially trained professionals in a number of settings: hospitals, vision rehabilitation organizations, private optometric and ophthalmologic practices, and educational and university facilities. These services may include:
Functional vision examinations
Instruction to help patients adjust to, and reap the maximum benefits from, optical devices such as high-power spectacles, magnifiers and telescopes
Trial-period loans of low vision devices
Recommendations for adaptive devices that reduce glare, as well as for special lighting, large print material, video magnifiers and adaptive computer technology
Prescription of low vision optical devices
Follow-up care as needed, including additional low vision instruction and training
Introduction/referral to other vision rehabilitation services, including orientation and mobility training, independent living programs and counseling
Vision Rehabilitation Is the Key to Independence
In addition to learning how to use optical devices, people with low vision can acquire new strategies for: accomplishing everyday tasks, working productively, coping with vision loss and getting around safely. The adaptive process, in coordination with low vision services, is known as vision rehabilitation; its goal is to equip people who are visually impaired with the skills and confidence needed to function as independently as possible.
Difficulty recognizing a familiar face
Difficulty reading -- print appears broken or distorted
Difficulty seeing objects and potential obstacles such as steps, curbs, walls and furniture
Vision Is a Continuum
Vision is a complex sense, encompassing the ability to perceive detail (acuity), color and contrast, and to distinguish objects. These capacities can diminish naturally with age. While most visual changes can be corrected by glasses, medicine or surgery, visual changes caused by eye disease, poor health or injury can cause permanent vision loss. If the loss is total, the result is blindness. If it is partial, the result is a vision impairment known as "low vision." A person with low vision has severely reduced visual acuity or a significantly obstructed field of vision -- or both.
Low Vision = Usable Vision
People with low vision retain some usable vision. Ophthalmologists and optometrists specializing in low vision care can evaluate patients and prescribe optical devices to maximize remaining vision.
Improving Visual Functioning with the Help of Devices
To a person with low vision, a visual image -- whether a sentence from a book or a crosswalk at a busy intersection -- may appear distorted, blurred or incomplete. But with the help of low vision devices, the quality of the image can usually be improved. One or more of these devices may be prescribed or recommended after a low vision specialist thoroughly evaluates a person's remaining visual function.
Spectacles for Reading
Half glasses with reading prisms
High-powered reading lenses
Microscopes
Reading telescopes
High-powered bifocals
Telescopes for Distance Vision
Hand-held monocular
Hand-held binocular
Spectacle mounted
Focusable, non-focusable or auto-focus
Absorptive Lenses
Photochromic
Ultraviolet (UV) blocking
Gradient tints
Stand Magnifiers
Adjustable stand
Video Magnifiers
Enlargers for reading
Black-and-white or color
Hand Magnifiers
Illuminated
Non-illuminated
Adaptive devices (non-optical)
Large-print clocks, timers, calculators, remote controls, watches, books
Bold, felt-tipped pens
Signature and writing guides
Talking watches and clocks and more ...
Comprehensive Low Vision Services
Low vision services are provided by specially trained professionals in a number of settings: hospitals, vision rehabilitation organizations, private optometric and ophthalmologic practices, and educational and university facilities. These services may include:
Functional vision examinations
Instruction to help patients adjust to, and reap the maximum benefits from, optical devices such as high-power spectacles, magnifiers and telescopes
Trial-period loans of low vision devices
Recommendations for adaptive devices that reduce glare, as well as for special lighting, large print material, video magnifiers and adaptive computer technology
Prescription of low vision optical devices
Follow-up care as needed, including additional low vision instruction and training
Introduction/referral to other vision rehabilitation services, including orientation and mobility training, independent living programs and counseling
Vision Rehabilitation Is the Key to Independence
In addition to learning how to use optical devices, people with low vision can acquire new strategies for: accomplishing everyday tasks, working productively, coping with vision loss and getting around safely. The adaptive process, in coordination with low vision services, is known as vision rehabilitation; its goal is to equip people who are visually impaired with the skills and confidence needed to function as independently as possible.