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Low Vision Device
In spite of the best medical /surgical treatment, a patient with severe vision loss may not regain 100% vision. In these circumstances, the patient’s residual vision can be enhanced to near normal levels with the help of LOW VISION AIDS and/ or training. Just as hearing aids enhance a patient’s hearing ability, low vision aids help patients with compromised vision to see better.
The number of visually impaired people is huge in India (exact statistics of visual impairment is not available, but large chunks of the legally blind people have “functional vision”). There is an estimated 124 million people world wide having low vision.
Low vision is partial vision loss that cannot be corrected. A person with low vision has severely reduced visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and/or a significantly obstructed field of vision.
Children and adults are considered to have low vision when, due to disease, hereditary conditions, or trauma. They experience severe visual impairment that either reduces or restricts their ability to use vision to carry out everyday functions, with a negative impact on their quality of life, (e.g., employment, independent living, orientation, experiences, education).
Low vision care of children with visual impairment early in the life could potentially minimise long-term permanent visual disability and reduce the number of blind years. Low vision care is recognized as a priority in “VISION 2020: The Right to Sight”
Distance Vision
Low vision aids for distance and intermediate work (computer work) are called TELESCOPES. They can be used for distance tasks like watching television, recognizing faces, traffic signals, hoardings, shop names, shopping, and other distant activities.
Near Vision
Near vision devices consist of Hand Magnifiers, Stand Magnifiers, Microscopic spectacles and electronic magnifiers. They can be used for reading, writing, kitchen work and a host of near tasks. The suitability of a particular device can be determined only after a trial.
GOOD LIGHT and CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT also play an important role in low vision management.
Eye diseases in which low vision aids are indicated helpful are:
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Macular Degeneration
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Diabetic Retinopathy
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Retinitis Pigmentosa
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Glaucoma
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Albinism
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Optic Atrophy
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High Myopia,
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Micro Ophthalmos, Colobomas, and other congenital eye and systemic disorders
Low Vision Aid Clinic
Facilities – The various optical devices
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Magnifying microscopic glasses
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Hand magnifiers
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Telescopes
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CCTV
Optical aids are important, but more stress should be given to non-optical aids, counseling, motivation, positive language, patience and training of the visually impaired person.
Low Vision WorkUp
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Correct the refractive error
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Establish a GOAL
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Improve contrast and try non optical devices and assess – “Working distance” of different tasks
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lastly, calculate the “magnification” needed
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Choose the appropriate optical device
How does Low Vision Impact People’s Lives?
Vision loss can have a great impact on a person’s ability to perform routine activities of daily living. Children with low vision tend to suffer most when it comes to their education. Although alternative special schools are available, many children are unable to take advantage of these schools and programs due to financial constraints, mis-educated parents, and poor access to resources. A young adult or middle aged person with low vision problems finds the most difficulty in retaining his/her job. In many cases, the individual is very dependent on his/her vision to successfully perform at work, and without adequate training and support, is usually left jobless and dependent on his/her family. Older people who have lost their sight tend to loose much of their independence and rely on their families for physical and emotional supp
ethical practices and attention on extending equitable and efficient eye care to
underprivileged