![\"Visual](\"https:\/\/www.eyeconsultantsofpa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/eye-consultants-pa-visual-loss.jpg\" "\\"eye-consultants-pa-visual-loss\\"")
\n\tAt a Glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n Things to know and remember:<\/p>\n What is a low vision?<\/strong><\/p>\n Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. When you have low vision, eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery may not help. Activities like reading the mail or a newspaper, working on a computer, shopping, cooking, writing, and watching TV may be hard to do.<\/p>\n Millions of Americans lose some of their sight every year. While vision loss can affect anyone at any age, low vision is most common for those over age 65.<\/p>\n Low vision is usually caused by eye diseases or health conditions. Some of these include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, diabetes, and glaucoma. Eye injuries and birth defects are some other causes. Whatever the cause, lost vision cannot be restored. It can, however, be managed with proper treatment and vision rehabilitation.<\/p>\n Coping with low vision can be overwhelming and emotionally difficult. However, with time and effort – and the support of the low vision experts at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, you can adapt to low vision. In fact, many people who are visually impaired can learn to perform everyday functions and even enjoy hobbies again.<\/p>\n\t\t\tHow do I know if I have low vision?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t There are some common signs of low vision. Even when wearing your glasses or contact lenses, do you still have difficulty with\u2026<\/p>\n These could all be early warning signs of vision loss or eye disease. The sooner vision loss or eye disease is detected by an eye care professional, the greater your chances of keeping your remaining vision.<\/p>\n That’s why regular eye examinations by an experienced eye care specialist are so important – because early detection and treatment of eye disease are the best ways to prevent vision impairment and blindness.<\/p>\n\t\t\tLiving with low vision<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Coping with low vision can be overwhelming and emotionally difficult. However, with time and effort – and the support of the low vision experts at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, you can adapt to low vision. In fact, many people who are visually impaired can learn to perform everyday functions and even enjoy hobbies again.<\/p>\n Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania is a regional leader in low vision evaluation and rehabilitation. Our Low Vision Specialists have special training and expertise in working with people with visual impairment. They utilize the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and are very experienced with the latest rehabilitation techniques. We can prescribe optical and non-optical devices, coordinate rehabilitation and provide assistance to patients in accessing resources through various agencies and programs for the visually impaired.<\/p>\n Can low vision be cured?<\/strong><\/p>\n No. There is no cure for low vision, and vision lost cannot be restored. But there are a variety of rehabilitative coping tools. People with low vision can regain or maintain their independence and quality of life through low vision services. Your low vision specialist can explain the available options to you.<\/p>\n\t\t\tAre there any optical aids for low vision?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Yes.<\/p>\n The most important low-vision aid is a proper pair of glasses with an adequate prescription. Low vision glasses with a stronger-than-usual bifocal are often the first reading aid prescribed. These stronger bifocals are most helpful for those with moderate impairment. Often the bifocals will supplement stronger aids such as a stand magnifier. However, the stronger bifocals require the reading material to be held closer. It can be difficult to adjust to holding the material closer than before. Start with the reading material at your nose and move away slowly until in focus. With stronger bifocals your field of view will be smaller. Keep your eyes still and move the reading material side to side instead of scanning with your eyes.<\/p>\n Hand magnifiers, often with a light, are available through Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. Hand magnifiers are often used in on-the-go situations such as at restaurants or grocery stores. Hand magnifiers are also useful around the house. Unfortunately, hand magnifiers are often used improperly. The distance between the magnifier and the page should always be constant! To keep distance from magnifier to page constant, start with the magnifier on the page and pull away until the object is in focus. If you move the magnifier closer to your eye for a better look you must keep the distance between the magnifier and the object constant. Also, hand magnifiers should be used with your distance glasses.<\/p>\n Stand magnifiers are good for prolonged reading. The print does not have to be close to your face and there is a larger field of view. While using a stand magnifier you should wear bifocals or reading glasses and keep the distance between eyes and magnifier constant (Opposite of the case while using a hand magnifier).<\/p>\n\t\t\tHow about non-optical devices?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t There is an incredible variety of non-optical devices are available for medical uses, activities of daily living and hobbies:<\/p>\n Yes, there are a large number of publications – newspapers, magazines, religious and devotional works, etc. – that are available in large print versions. Audio books are a good option, too, and many web browsers and websites have text-size adjustments to make browsing the Internet more convenient for people with low vision.<\/p>\n\t\t\tWhat about improved lighting?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t Lighting is the primary and most crucial non-optical device. Within reason, bright light will not damage your eyes. Also, reading, watching TV or “using your eyes” will absolutely not damage your eyes.<\/p>\n Patients with macular degeneration usually benefit the most from a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Higher wattage produces more glare and shadow. There should be a shade to focus the light. An insulated shade is best because the light is often brought close to the face. The light should have a flexible arm to directly illuminate the object. Bright light will not damage your eyes. People with visual loss due to diabetes often benefit more from indirect lighting with the light moved farther from the page.<\/p>\n\t\t\tLow Vision Support Groups?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t You do not have to face low vision alone. First, people with significant visual impairment should contact:<\/p>\nPennsylvania State Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Locally, people with low vision can contact:<\/p>\nVision Resource Center of Berks County Veterans may be eligible for rehabilitative services through the Veteran’s Administration (VA). The VA visual rehabilitation services are excellent.<\/p>\nOffice of Veterans Affairs (OVA) There are some other helpful websites and support organizations for people with low vision, too:<\/p>\n A careful, thorough eye examination and refraction by one of our low vision specialists is the first step. Our doctors use very specialized technologies – and years of training and experience – to examine your eyes and accurately measure your level of visual functioning. Your doctor will personally discuss with you the health of your eyes, how your condition is affecting your vision and what further diagnosis and treatment options are appropriate and available.<\/p>\n Together, we’ll also talk about your visual needs and concerns are discussed – things like transportation, mobility, cooking, handling of mail, TV viewing, hobbies and whether you have any assistance in the home. An important goal with the initial examination is to accurately measure your level of visual functioning to determine the best rehabilitation options.<\/p>\n\tAttribution<\/strong> Find out what insurance we accept and what is covered by insurance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind Out\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n Physician information including education, training, practice location and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMake An Appointment\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn more about low vision services What is low vision? Low vision treatment options and more! Make an appointment online or call us: Online Form Call 1-800-762-7132 At a Glance: Things to know and remember: Low vision is a vision problem that makes it hard to do everyday activities like reading, watching television or driving. …<\/p>\n\n
\n\t\tAbout Low Vision\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
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\n\t\tRehabilitation and Coping Options\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
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\nOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation
\nBureau of Blindness and Visual Services
\n300 G. Laird Street
\nWilkes-Barre, PA 18702
\n866-227-4163
\nwww.dli.pa.gov\/Individuals\/Disability-Services\/bbvs\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a>\n
\n2020 Hampden Blvd
\nReading, PA 19604
\n610-375-8407
\nwww.vrcberks.org\/<\/a>\n
\nBldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap
\nAnnville, PA 17003-5002
\n717-861-8910
\nwww.dmva.pa.gov\/veteransaffairs\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a>\n\n
\nSource: Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania and The National Eye Institute\n\n\t\tDoes my insurance plan
cover my eye care?\n\t<\/h3>\n\t\n\t\tLearn more about our low vision specialists\n\t<\/h3>\n\t
\n\t\tSchedule an Appointment\n\t<\/h2>\n\t