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Low Vision Exams & Information

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Our low vision exam is designed to bridge the gap between your visit to the medical specialist and functioning in the real world. We start by reviewing your physical findings, fine tuning your prescription, and determining what your visual needs are. We then walk you through your options, whether they are new glasses, contact lenses, magnification devices, or some combination thereof. We work closely with the Lighthouse organization to help you find solutions to those visual tasks that are so important in life, but are much more difficult or impossible to do now.

Low Vision Information

A person is considered to have low vision if their ability to perform basic daily tasks is affected by their ability to see. The term “Low Vision” usually means the best attainable visual acuity is somewhere around 20/50 or worse. Low vision can result in general cloudiness, central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, blurry areas, or blind spots causing a loss of some portion of the visual field.

A Low Vision Evaluation is an in-depth functional evaluation to determine if the current vision can be improved to do those things the person wants to do. The end result of the low vision evaluation will be to determine the lens power and device that is best suited to meet the patient’s needs. The low vision evaluation should explore the optical and non-optical systems that are currently available.

The Low Vision Exam

The low vision examination is quite different from the regular comprehensive exam. The goals of the low vision exam include assessing your functional needs, and the capabilities and limitations of your visual system. We assess the impact of ocular and systemic diseases on your vision. We prescribe low vision systems to maximize the use of your vision, tailored to your visual needs. We may also recommend further evaluation and treatment by vision rehabilitation professionals or make appropriate referrals for medical and surgical intervention.

Low Vision Exam Format

The Low Vision Examination begins with an extensive history. We want to know if you have problems with reading, functioning in the kitchen, glare problems, travel vision, the workplace, television viewing, and school requirements. We also include a careful review of your ocular and medical history.

We will make careful measurements of your visual acuity using low vision test charts, and then determine the best glasses or contact lens prescription for you. We may also test your depth perception, color vision, contrast sensitivity and curvature of the front of the eye.
    
If you have decreased acuity, we may recommend various telescopic systems which magnify distance vision. These may be spectacle mounted or handheld. We may also recommend  filters to control glare.  Various   reading aids including strong reading eyewear, magnifiers, electronic magnifiers and even  electronic reading machines may be recommended.  

Eye health testing may includes an examination of the external and internal structures of your eyes. We will counsel you on how your condition will effect your vision and what you may do to enhance and protect your vision.

Give us a call at (415) 453-8906 or request an appointment online.