Illinois Eye Center

 
Low Vision PDF Print E-mail

Low vision examinationWhat is Low Vision?

Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks difficult. Reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car, recognizing faces and crossing the street may be hard or impossible to accomplish. When vision cannot be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine or surgery, people with low vision need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence.

What causes Low Vision?

Low vision can be caused by eye injuries or by diseases such as:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Cataracts

These conditions can occur at any age but are more common in older people. Normal aging of the eye does not lead to low vision. Regular eye exams are important to diagnose eye diseases, treat those who can be helped and start the process of vision rehabilitation for those with low vision.

Low vision lensesWhat can I do about Low Vision?

People with significantly reduced visual acuity may benefit from a low vision examination, visual aids and/or rehabilitation therapy. Illinois Eye Center offers Low Vision examinations to evaluate your needs and help you attain your goals. Our Low Vision staff offers hands-on demonstrations of products that enable you to perform visual activities that might otherwise be unattainable.

Many types of aids are available including:

  • Special lighting
  • Magnifiers
  • Filters to reduce glare
  • Signature guides
  • Prismatic reading glasses
  • Electronic magnification devices
  • Portable and stationary camera devices

Our staff may also assist you with your computer and telephone operations. If necessary , we may refer you to an occupational therapist to further assist you in your home or at work.

Please call Illinois Eye Center at 309.243.2400 to schedule our Low Vision appointment.

 
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