Tips on consulting a Tampa low vision doctor

                                                                                         

Consultation with a Tampa low vision doctor should be the first step one takes should a drop in central visual acuity be noted. Such a low vision problem may be a sign of macular degeneration, which is usually – not not always – related to aging. This cause of blindness is not uncommon among the elderly, but can also affect people as young as 30. There is no cure for this condition, but if a Tampa low vision eye doctor can diagnose the condition in its initial stages, there is a wide range of treatments for macular degeneration available.

Were you to ask a Tampa low vision specialist, s/he would tell you that macular degeneration is caused by atrophy of the macula, a part of the eye’s retina that is largely involved with central vision – in other words, that part of seeing that is used in activities such as reading, knitting, computer work and even driving. The peripheral vision is less affected, but the central vision becomes highly blurred.

The first step to receiving treatment from a Tampa low vision specialist is to get a referral from your optometrist of primary care physician. There are numerous Tampa low vision eye doctors with offices conveniently located around the metro area, so chances are that there is a Tampa low vision doctor close to your neighborhood.

Once you show up for your appointment, the Tampa low vision specialist begins by performing an extensive and comprehensive eye examination. S/he may also ask you about your overall health history as well as any activities you normally engage in so has to best determine what level of visual acuity you are hoping to preserve.

Based on this information, the Tampa low vision eye doctor will recommend a course of treatment that may include any number of macular degeneration devices. The prosthetic devices that your Tampa low vision specialist has at his/her disposal includes everything from simple magnifying lenses to high tech mini-cams that can project written text onto a large monitor screen. One of the more interesting macular degeneration devices is bioptic glasses. These special glasses actually have miniature telescopes mounted on the frames, so that by tipping the head slightly, the patient can enjoy greater central vision acuity.

If your macular degeneration is still in its early stages, your Tampa low vision specialist may also prescribe a change of diet. Research has shown that foods rich in Vitamin A, C and E such as leafy greens can help to stave off this condition, as well as mineral and biochemical supplements such as zinc and lutein.

Get a referral to a Tampa low vision eye doctor as soon as symptoms are noted; the earlier the diagnosis, the more options you and your Tampa love vision specialist will have.

About the author:
Jon blocker has had a parent diagnosed with macular degeneration. She has had experience in macular degeneration treatment. In this article, she writes about Tampa low vision doctors.


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