Low Vision Treatment in Las Vegas NV

What are the symptoms of low vision?

People with low vision have difficulty doing routine tasks, even with glasses or contact lenses. They have difficulty in the following:

• Reading
• Watching TV
• Writing
• Working with computer
• Shopping
• Driving face recognition

What is low vision therapy?

Low vision usually interferes with patients’ daily activities. Low vision even causes people to feel isolated because they can not easily participate in recreational and community activities. Low vision therapy helps these people regain their independence in life. Our purpose is to optimize their quality of life and increase patient’s safety and independence based on the home setting low vision therapy.

Low vision therapy helps patients to perform their daily tasks in a different way using current vision and tools such as magnifiers and adaptive equipment.

Some of our low vision therapy services include:

• Home safety recommendations, for example, improving lighting conditions
• Cooking safety suggestions
• Personal grooming
• Daily living skills training
• Mobility training
• Labeling medications, clothing, and appliances
• Computer training
• Reading training
• Keeping financial records
• Systematizing shopping and payment
• Occupational therapy evaluation

 Low vision therapy is not limited to low vision devices but focuses on education, support groups, and individual counseling. In other words, the therapy session is adjusted based on the patient’s needs and conditions.

Why is the treatment of low vision necessary?

Low vision therapy has positive effects on the patient both physically and emotionally. People with low vision have more emotional problems than normal-sighted individuals and are at greater risk of accidents. Based on the experiences we have obtained over the years, visually impaired people achieve a significant improvement in their daily functioning after therapy sessions, which means an increase in self-satisfaction and quality of life. 

In the following, we will explain what services are offered to you under low vision therapy.

What is Vision Rehabilitation?

Visual rehabilitation assists patients in adjusting to vision loss while maintaining their lifestyle. A vision rehabilitation program provides various services, such as instruction in using magnifying glasses and other adapted equipment, methods to accomplish daily living activities safely and independently, advice on altering homes, and data on where to find resources and assistance. These programs often feature a team of experts composed of a leading eye care practitioner and a low vision optometrist or ophthalmologist. This team may include occupational therapists, orientation and mobility experts, certified low vision therapists, counselors, and social workers.

How Many People Have Low Vision?

The number of visually impaired Americans ages 40 and older is 4.2 million. There are 3 million people with low vision among them. According to estimates from the CDC, by 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, there will be 7.2 million Americans with vision impairments, of whom 5 million will have low vision.

Who is at Higher Risk for Low Vision?

Low vision can impact everyone since several illnesses and accidents can cause it. However, low vision is more frequent in individuals over the age of 45 and much more common in those over 75 due to age-related illnesses such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. For instance, one in every six individuals over 45 has impaired vision, and one in every four persons over 75 has low vision. The following are the most prevalent kinds of poor vision:

• Central vision loss: In this condition, one’s vision is obscured in the center.
• Peripheral (side) vision loss: An inability to see things to the left or right, above or below eye level, due to loss of peripheral vision (side vision). There is, however, no loss of central vision.
• Night blindness: Having difficulty seeing at night, particularly in poorly lit areas such as theaters and in the dark outside.
• Blurred vision: An out-of-focus effect occurs when both nearby and distant objects are blurred.
• Hazy vision: Glare or haze appears to cover the entire field of vision.

Vision assessment

The patient’s needs and their visual function must be assessed to determine what treatment plan and modifications should be considered.

Training

Training sessions provide strategies to help the patient perform day-to-day tasks:

• Labeling techniques
• Use of adaptive equipment
• Evaluation of the lighting and safety in the home

Low vision devices

The patient learns that magnification of both near and distant images can enhance visual function. A variety of magnification devices, including optical and non-optical, are introduced. The patient’s need and vision status should be considered to select the appropriate device.

There are many examples of low vision aids. iPhone, for example, can respond to voice commands. People who can not see the screen can use it. Fortunately, many books are now available in audio format and can be easily prepared.

Environmental modifications

Patients with mild vision loss can effectively perform their daily activities just by minor environmental modification. But if the vision loss is moderate to severe, significant changes must be made with the help of technology and assistive devices.

The possibility of falling should also be minimized. Proper light, the use of a cane as well as a smooth floor can be very helpful.