Prisms for Low Vision

Prisms are a popular, specialized device for low vision patients that helps those with visual field defects and other vision problems too great for regular corrective lenses to fix.

What Do Prisms For Low Vision Do?

Many people who suffer from low vision experience a decrease in their peripheral vision and visual field. In conditions such as scotoma, patients can develop non-seeing areas in their visual field which make many tasks more difficult. Prism lenses can also help patients who have central vision loss, double vision, and symptoms associated with that such as headaches and balance issues.

While for most low vision patients the vision loss cannot be reversed, there are devices, such as prisms, designed to help improve their vision and allow them to regain some measure of their independence.

Prisms also help reduce the eye strain that can be caused by using close vision with glasses for extended periods of time. For patients who need high levels of magnification, prisms allow them to keep working for extended periods in comfort.

These prisms, also known as fresnel prisms, are made of optical polyvinyl chloride, which increases the chromatic dispersion and produces a loss of contrast. These effects have been found to be helpful for patients with blurry and diplopic vision with distance viewing.

For visual field issues, the prisms can focus the image into a part of the retina unaffected by vision loss. Additionally, if the eyes have different visual capabilities, prism lenses can help equalize things and help avoid eye strain.

Press-on Prism Lenses

These are very thin lenses designed to fit onto ophthalmic lenses to provide additional lens power without making the lenses overly thick (which is an issue with standard high power prism lenses.) This makes the glasses both more comfortable to wear, and better looking. It will be less obvious that the wearer requires significant vision assistance.

Built-in Prism Glasses

Another option are custom made prism glasses. These are great for patients with a regular need of prism visual assistance, though they are thicker, and have a different look from regular glasses.

Low Vision Readers

Low vision readers are prism lenses specifically designed to help patients with central scotomas have an easier time reading. Through significant magnification, they reduce the impact of the scotoma and make reading less of a struggle. Low vision readers can be both handheld and hands-free.

Where Can I Get Prisms for Low Vision?

Prism lenses are prescription products, so you will need to see a low vision optometrist for a low vision eye exam, so they can determine what type and strength of prisms will be best for you to maximize your vision to suit your needs. The wrong prisms can lead to discomfort and eye strain, so properly prescribed prism lenses are vital.

Summary

Prism lenses can be extremely helpful for patients with vision loss stemming from low vision conditions like scotoma. As prescription products, it is important to see a low vision doctor to receive a low vision exam and prescription. If you are suffering from low vision and think prism lenses could help you, you can contact Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach at (562) 925-6591 to schedule an appointment for an eye exam and consultation. 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.