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| Low Vision care for the visually impared |
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What is Low Vision?
Low Vision is the broad definition that classifies someone as having a visual impairment, which cannot be improved with the conventional use of glasses or contacts. This visual impairment is most often a result of various eye diseases but may also result from surgery or injury. A few of these diseases include Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, or Retinitis Pigmentosa. If you suffer visual impairment that cannot be improved or corrected with standard spectacle lenses or medical/surgical therapy, then low vision rehabilitation may be indicated.
What is Low Vision care?
It is important to realize that your lost vision cannot be restored. Low vision care is a rehabilitation process where you will be taught how to effectively use your remaining vision. The primary goal is to help those with visual impairments to overcome the handicapping effects of their vision. At the Denver Eye Clinic, low vision care begins with a review of the cause of your visual impairment, a lengthy discussion of your visual needs and goals, and comprehensive eye/low vision examinations. Based on the individual needs of each patient, several solutions will be discussed at the conclusion of this initial visit. This may include the recommendation of optical and non-optical devices known as Low Vision Aids.
How do these Low Vision Aids help?
During the course of a low vision evaluation, the eyecare professional uses a series of special charts and refraction techniques to determine the best power and types of aid suitable for each patient. This is accomplished by taking into consideration the level of visual impairment, the patient's goals, and the prescriptive powers of the eye to systematically arrive at a final prescription. These optical aids may include magnifiers, spectacle microscopes, telescopes, and electronic devices, which are used to enlarge the size of objects in the distance or improve the detail of reading materials. Furthermore, you may also be helped by using alternative methods to perform certain tasks. These include better lighting; higher-contrast enlarged print; auditory or hearing techniques; and so on.
How do I get started?
Contact the Denver Eye Clinic and request a Low Vision Evaluation. To prepare you for the initial consultation we will send you an introductory letter and a questionnaire. These forms will allow the doctor to establish the reasons for your visual decline and to assess the specific areas of your lifestyle that have been affected by your vision. This letter will also briefly describe the items you should bring to the exam, as well as what to expect.
What is the cost of a low vision exam?
Most medical insurance policies will defray part of the cost of this exam as your eye condition is a medical condition, rather than just a routine eye exam. Depending on the plan you carry, the cost is usually the specified co-pay amount for a specialist visit. Please feel free to inquire about this.
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