|
What do we mean by 'Low Vision?'
The majority of us who have blurred vision simply correct this by wearing spectacles or contact lenses.
However, when a person has reduced vision in both eyes which cannot be improved with conventional spectacles or contact lenses, they may be described as having sight loss or low vision. The degree of low vision will vary between individuals and will depend upon the underlying cause or condition.
Although some individuals may be born with poor sight, the vast majority have low vision as a result of a condition or disease that they have acquired in later life. In fact, over 70% of patients who have low vision are over 75 years of age.
A patient who has low vision may also be described as being Visually Impaired, particularly if the level of sight loss affects them in their work or daily lives.
What can cause Low Vision?
Individuals may develop low vision as a result of an eye disease, such as glaucoma, or a general medical condition, such as diabetes. Conditions such as cataract and Age Related Macular Degeneration are conditions that affect many elderly people.
There are many conditions that can cause sight loss. Some are relatively common, whilst others may be quite rare. All individuals are recommended to visit their own eye care practitioner, such as their own Optometrist, on a regular basis. For adults and older children this may be once every two years, and more frequently for younger children and the elderly.
If I suspect Sight Loss what should I do?
If you suspect that you have a problem with your eyes you are recommended to visit an Optometrist for an eye examination. Optometrists are highly qualified health care professionals who will examine your eyes. If your Optometrist suspects that there is anything wrong with your eyes he or she will refer you to a Consultant Ophthalmologist, based at your local hospital.
What is Registration and how can it help me?
In the UK, those who are affected by significant sight loss may be certified as either Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired by a Consultant Ophthalmologist. Each Local Health Authority maintains a register of those individuals and will visit them to assess their specific needs that have resulted from their sight loss. This process is often referred to as Registration.
However, any individual who is struggling as a result of their sight loss may request an assessment of their visual needs directly from their Local Health Authority even if they have not been registered as either Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired. Registration is often necessary, however, to claim for additional benefits and concessions.
For further detail on the process of Sight Impaired and Severely Sight Impaired Certification visit the Department of Health Website. (www.dh.gov.uk)
I have Low Vision - can magnification help?
It makes sense that if we are unable to see something that we either get closer to it or try to make it bigger in some way. That is essentially the basis of magnification. Any device that helps a person with visual impairment to see better may be called a Low Vision Aid (LVA).
Low Vision Aids may be split into two groups, optical and electronic devices.
Optical Low Vision Aids, such as simple hand magnifiers, use an optical lens to magnify the object, such as a newspaper, to assist reading.
Electronic magnification is a relatively recent concept. Companies such as Bierley have developed a range of products that capture magnify objects and print electronically. Electronic magnifiers are often called Electronic Vision Enhancement Systems, or EVES.
Bierley magnifiers and magnification
Bierley's range of electronic magnifiers is suitable for all to use, from the very young to the elderly.
There is more scope with electronic magnification than with traditional optical magnifiers.
- The image may be electronically enhanced and therefore the quality of the image produced is often much better.
- Electronic magnifiers have a greater range of magnification than optical aids.
- The image does not suffer from the distortion often experienced whilst using an optical low vision aid.
What conditions can be assisted by Bierley magnifiers?
Anyone suffering from sight loss may benefit from using a Bierley electronic device. The range of magnification obtained from the large variety of devices that Bierley produce will assist most individuals.
Would electronic magnification work for me?
Yes. Most people with low vision need assistance in reading to continue leading an independent life. Whether reading a newspaper from cover to cover or checking the prices in the supermarket, electronic magnification can assist most people suffering from sight loss.
Who can help me with magnification?
A number of eye care practitioners, specifically Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians specialise in becoming Low Vision Practitioners. Some are based within the Hospital Eye Service and some may practice independently through an optical practice.
Where possible, it is important to ensure that you have the correct level of magnification, and be able to utilise that magnification in the correct way. There are no detrimental effects of using the incorrect level of magnification, but it can avoid a lot of frustration and disappointment.
In addition, a low vision practitioner will be able to give you additional helpful tips and hints on how best to use magnification, thereby getting the most out of your low vision aid.
Because there is a good range of magnification produced by Bierley magnifiers, most individuals will be able to find a device to address their individual needs.
If you feel that you would benefit from a formal low vision assessment of your sight loss, then your local eye department, optometrist or social services department may be able to help you.
Will my eyes get worse if I use my Low Vision Aid or Bierley magnifier too much?
Simply, no. You should not give up on reading either with or without your glasses or magnifier.
If you feel that your sight is changing then it is not as a result of using your vision or your magnifier.
We would therefore recommend that you visit your Optometrist for an eye examination to determine the underlying cause.
Still have question?
Call us free on 1 800 985-0535 and speak to a real person.
Endorsements:
"As an LVA specialist I have no hesitation in recommending Bierley products for their simplicity of use and effectiveness in improving a patients quality of life"
Dr Roisin Mackie, Mackie Opticians, Bothwell (www.mackieopticians.co.uk)
"The Bierley range of magnifiers has grown in strength and diversity. Not only are they excellent quality products but affordable too - an important factor for many of my patients."
Jane Macnaughton, Specialist Optometrist and Low Vision Practitioner, Leicester Royal Infirmary
"I have had huge success recommending the Bierley range of products as they are affordable, good quality and simple to use even for the technophobic VI patient"
Joy Myint, Visiting Lecturer and Research Optometrist, City University Visual Impairment Clinic, London
(www.city.ac.uk/optometry/public_clinic/index.html)
See our products |
Home
