Info on low vision aids

                                                                                         

Info on low vision aids. Eye glasses for macular degeneration are one of the most common and effective solutions for people with macular degeneration and associated vision problems. Central vision, which is vital for ordinary everyday activities such as reading, working at the computer and driving, is what is primarily affected by macular degeneration. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, those suffering from the vision problems caused by this condition can maximize the vision that they still have with low vision devices such as special magnifiers and other high-tech low vision aids; telescopic glasses and eye glasses for macular degeneration is only one of the many options available.

To clarify how these low-vision aids work, it’s helpful to understand what age-related macular degeneration is and how it causes vision problems. The macula is located in the central part of the retina. Over time, macular cells start to die off or deteriorate, or else there is excessive blood vessel growth which causes bleeding underneath the macula. The result is damage to this part of the eye, which is what allows us to see fine details close up. Although peripheral vision is usually unaffected, activities that require attention to detail – such as crafts, driving and reading – become nearly impossible without the use of low vision devices.

Telescopic glasses are one solution for those suffering vision problems because of age-related macular degeneration. These special magnifiers consist of minature binoculars that are mounted either in front or above eye glasses for macular degeration. As far as low vision aids go, telescopic glasses are fairly low-tech, but are often the most effective solution for those with vision problems due to macular degeneration. These particular eye glasses for macular degeneration are also known as “bioptic glasses.”

Of course, there are several other low vision devices in addition to eye glasses for macular degeneration. Some of these are low vision aids that were the stuff of science fiction only forty years ago; others make new uses of old technology such as the television camera.

Considering that television is blamed for the decline in literacy in America, it is ironic that one of the most effective magnifiers for those with macular-degeneration vision problems who want to be able to read again consists of a closed-circuit TV camera and a monitor screen. The camera projects the image of the printed page up on the screen, enabling the patient to see it more clearly.

If the patient’s condition is beyond what eye glasses for macular degeneration can do, there is now software that actually allows the user to speak to his/her computer by using a microphone; the computer actually transforms this speech into actual text. There are also Braille printers available for PCs and Macintosh computers. However, if the condition is caught early enough, eye glasses for macular degeneration may be the best solution for most patients.

About the author:
Susan Slobac has had a parent diagnosed with macular degeneration. She has had experience in macular degeneration treatment. In this article, she discusses macular degeneration risk factors.

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