Low Vision Services

Submitted by Lindie van Zyl on Mon, 2010-11-08 15:34
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Image: 
Photo of a lady using an electronic magnifier to read the telephone directory
Content: 

What is low vision?
You're clearly not blind, but you can't see clearly.

While some vision problems can be treated or corrected with spectacles, medication or surgery to restore normal vision, others persist due to permanent loss of function of certain structures of the eye. When all corrective measures have been exhausted, the remaining vision is referred to as ‘Low Vision ’. Even though you no longer have perfect or normal vision, you still have some remaining vision (Low Vision) that allows you to maintain independence.

What are the symptoms?
Not everybody experiences low vision in the same way. Depending on the cause of vision loss and where the problem is in the eye, the vision may be described as:
  • Hazy or cloudy
  • Blank, dark spots or wavy lines in the centre of the vision
  • Reduced side vision, resulting in difficulty to move around
  • Reduced colour and contrast perception, resulting in poor definition of objects
  • Shadows in the visual field or patchy vision
  • Extreme sensitivity to bright light
  • An inability to function in dimmed lighting
What causes low vision?
  • Birth defects
  • Hereditary factors
  • Injury to the eye
  • Medical conditions.
Can anything be done to help?
Yes. Once the best possible medical, surgical and optometric care has been given, people with low vision can be assisted to make the most of their remaining vision by focussing on, among others:
  • Lighting, colour and contrast
  • The size of objects
  • The distance from objects
  • Finding the right low vision device for a specific task
  • Learning new visual skills e.g. to look sideways at an object to see it better, rather than looking straight ahead
  • Learning to concentrate on the other senses e.g. hearing and touch to compensate for the loss of vision
What are low vision devices?
Low Vision devices make images appear larger, clearer and easier to see. These may include:
  • Special reading glasses
  • Magnifiers (pocket size, stand mounted, handheld, clip-on and illuminated)
  • Telescopes to magnify objects in the distance
  • UV shields to reduce glare and increase contrast
  • Non-optical devices e.g. talking watches, signature guides and needle threaders
  • Electronic reading devices
What can I expect from a 'Low Vision Service'?
A Low Vision service provides access to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and a range of assistive devices that will smooth the process of adjusting to the challenge of living with low vision. Low Vision Services strive to assist individuals to:
  • Understand the value and limitations of their remaining vision
  • Learn visual skills to compensate for loss of function
  • Discover the importance of lighting, colour and contrast to make objects more visible
  • Select the right low vision devices to meet their specific needs
  • Obtain practical hints and tips
  • Get emotional support for the individual and their families.

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Location: 
South Africa
Categories
Category: 
Low vision centre
Audience group: 
Professionals
Parents
Low or lost vision
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