Common Symptoms of Low Vision

The following article discusses various symptoms of the medical condition known as Low Vision, which refers to irreversible visual deficits which cannot be corrected with standard methods.

Low Vision

This is a medical term for irreversible eye complications affecting visual acuity and/or visual field. With these deficits, conventional interventions such as prescription glasses, contact lenses, corrective surgery, and medical treatments don't work. Such types of impairment may be congenital, due to injury to the optic nerves, acquired brain injury, or in the majority of instances, the result of a degenerative eye disease. These include Diabetic Retinopathy, Age-related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and Glaucoma.

"Treatment" isn't treatment in the sense that the deficits will go away. It involves judicious use of visual aids and devices along with rehabilitation therapy to maximize remaining eyesight and enable people to live productive, active, and meaningful lives.

Common Symptoms

There are many symptoms of this condition.These include the following impairments (in part or in total):

Blurriness: This impairment involves the eye's inability to focus causing blurred images. This occurs regardless of the object's distance. In such instances, watching TV would be difficult regardless of how close or far you sat from the screen.
Central vision loss: This loss forms a blind spot in your central field forcing reliance on peripheral eyesight. Central vision is responsible for the sharpness and detail of our eyesight and it is critical for seeing colors and detecting shapes. Such a deficit makes it difficult to recognize faces.
Contrast difficulty: This is a problem relating to the overall quality of one's eyesight.Images may appear hazy or cloudy.
Depth Perception difficulty: These problems involve difficulties in perceiving the relation of space, both of the person himself and with the surrounding area and objects. Climbing a ladder or accepting change from the outstretched hand of a cashier would present difficulties for a person with this deficit.
Light/glare: Many people experience discomfort and even pain when looking at strong lighting, or the glare that is emitted from such lighting. Proper lighting for such people provides good illumination without straining or stressing the eyes.
Night blindness: This deficit manifests as difficulty or an inability to see during the night, or in situations of low levels of light such as a darkened theatre, hallway, or low-lit restaurant. Also known as night blindness.
Peripheral vision loss: This deficit creates a tunnel effect akin to looking through a narrow tube. Peripheral eyesight is important for mobility and in detecting movement. Loss of this peripheral faculty can affect the ability to play physical sports or to safely drive a motor vehicle.

What Interventions Are Available?

Interventions include the use of optical and non-optical devices, such as a wide variety of specialized telescopes, binoculars, prisms, specialty glasses, magnifiers, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapy is a holistic approach incorporating different methods and procedures to learn new skills and maximize remaining eyesight.

Living With Low Vision

One misconception is the idea that there is nothing that can be done to help people with these deficits. It's difficult enough for people with these optical deficits to process their diagnosis when they first learn of it. What can be more upsetting than hearing from a professional that there is NO hope?

The good news is that they are wrong. Regardless of the deficit, there are many effective interventions to maximize remaining eyesight and to improve a patient's quality of life. Many patients can attest to this.Thanks to advances in medical technology and research, people lead active, fulfilling lives today, including the resumption of many activities they thought were no longer feasible.

Low vision optometrists specialize in all aspects of evaluating, detecting, and implementing measures for people with this disorder. This includes the challenges of the deficiencies themselves as well as the emotional aspects of living with this condition. With a proper plan, there are a wide variety of devices, technologies, and rehabilitation programs that have given people renewed confidence in their ability to enjoy life and participate in routine activities, as well as many favored recreational activities.

If you have low vision or suspect that you may have this condition, contact our low vision optometrist to Book an Appointment . With a proper intervention plan, you or your loved one, can continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Central Vision Loss

The following article addresses various aspects of central vision loss with an overall look at the causes, signs, effects, and available interventions for people living with central vision deficiency.

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Peripheral Vision Loss

The following article addresses general issues of peripheral (side) vision) loss, with a look at the causes, signs, and interventions to maximize remaining vision and improve the quality of life for those living with this impairment.

See link

Blurriness, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness

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Common Symptoms of Low Vision

The following article discusses various symptoms of the medical condition known as low vision, which refers to irreversible visual deficits which cannot be corrected with standard methods. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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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.