What Is Low Vision?

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Low vision is a medical condition for types of visual impairment where conventional corrective measures such as regular glasses, contact lenses, and surgical or medical treatment cannot adequately correct the deficit. It often presents with the following:

Loss in visual acuity or "sharpness"

Visual field loss

Night-blindness

Problems with light sensitivity or perception

Central vision loss

Hazy vision

Blurred vision

Loss of peripheral vision which creates a "tunnel vision" effect

Low vision is the result of partial but irreversible visual impairment. A diagnosis does not mean that you are blind. It just means that you have problems that cannot be corrected with conventional interventions, and that you may require vision devices and training to enhance your remaining eyesight. In most instances, a person retains some degree of vision that usually responds well to specialty glasses or other vision aid.

We are here to help you!

Many people with this condition are told by eyecare professionals that there is nothing that can be done to help them. As optometrists with years of experience, we know this isn’t so!

We specialize in low vision care and offer an array of specialty devices and aids such as bioptic telescopes, magnifiers, and non-optical devices that can be used to improve your ability to engage in routine and recreational activities. These include such activities as watching television, reading newspapers, and recognizing people’s faces. Some people are even able to drive!
The important thing to know is that with proper and timely intervention most people are able to enjoy a high quality of life, and to continue to participate in their favorite activities.

Looking Through the Eyes of a Low Vision Patient

Although visual impairment and its impact on daily life varies depending on the condition and how it developed, the pictures below provide good examples of how certain deficits often manifest. (pictures here)

What Causes Low Vision?

There are a variety of diseases, disorders, and types of eye injury affecting the optic nerve that may cause impairment and a diagnosis of low vision. These include types of acute and traumatic brain injury. Medical conditions that are known to cause this condition include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, corneal diseases, optic nerve atrophy, and strokes. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 45 percent of such cases.

Early Detection and Treatment

Most eye conditions and diseases have no early symptoms. And in the case of low vision, standard corrective measures such as contact lenses, specialty glasses, optical and non-optical aids, and surgery don't work. This is why we recommend yearly eye exams with an optometrist, particularly if you have a family history of eye disease. If low vision is detected early enough we can often minimize vision loss.

If you have been told by an optometrist that you have low vision or suspect that you may have this condition, contact us to schedule an eye evaluation, and to discuss the use of different vision aids and devices to improve your quality of life.

Who Needs Low Vision Care?

How the Low Vision Optometrist and Ophthalmologist Can Help You

DMV driving laws with visual impairment

Visual Aids and Devices

How to Help Someone Who Is Visually Impaired

Lighting for Low Vision

Guide for Family Members of those Coping with Low Vision

Common Symptoms of low vision

Common Symptoms of Low Vision

Low Vision and its Challenges

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.