Which device is better for vision loss?

Published on

July 11, 2022

In 2017, approximately 26.9 million Americans age 18 and older reported having vision loss. “Vision loss” refers to having trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses.

The common belief is that people with low vision cannot be helped. However, for most people there are life-changing visual aids that allow them to regain their independence as well as enjoy many tasks they enjoyed before losing their vision. Different people have different needs, and navigating all the options available can be overwhelming. Let us help you find the right low vision device to match your needs and your budget.

Is a handheld device enough for someone with low vision?

All of the low vision devices are designed for specific tasks. Therefore, it really depends on both your vision and what you're trying to achieve. Using a handheld magnifier is an excellent solution to seeing sports scores on a newspaper if you're only looking for something very task-specific, since you won't be looking at the scores for hours. A handheld device lets you get a quick glimpse of something for a brief period of time.

Who is a good candidate for a CCTV system (digital magnification)?

If you need to read something like a magazine article that has different fonts and colors and different lighting depending on where you are sitting, or you are reading for an extended period of time, then a handheld device may not be adequate. CCTV, or closed circuit television, can provide that comfort of vision to make magnification more comfortable and convenient.

Are there glasses for low vision?

There are many different types of eyeglasses available that can help a person with vision loss. For near tasks such as reading there are magnified reading glasses as well as full diameter microscope glasses. For mid distance vision there are glasses such as maxTV and ESCOOP. For far distance vision, such as seeing signs while driving or watching a show, there are bioptic telescopes. There are many different types of low vision glasses that are designed to enable a patient with vision loss to regain their independence and enjoy the things that vision loss took away from them.

What is the purpose of audiobooks?

It can be a fun experience for bookworms to hear their favorite books read by a talented voice actor. There are many companies that offer audio books online, which can be accessed easily. Audio books can be a good alternative for readers with low vision.

Schedule an eye exam

If your loved one is suffering from low vision they may face several problems carrying out everyday tasks, and our low vision team are more than happy to assist you in selecting a low vision device that meets your needs. Please feel free to call the practice at (562) 925-6591 or complete our appointment form here Book an Appointment to schedule a low vision eye exam. We are located in Bellflower, just north of Long Beach, and provide low vision services to patients from all over the greater Los Angeles area.

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.