Low Vision Aids

Low Vision Aids And Low Vision Products

Low vision aids, also known as low vision products, are developed to improve the quality of life of low vision individuals by tapping on adaptive technology. Low vision aids and products can help to give back a person's independence and help them to go about their everyday tasks again.

Most of us take our eyesight for granted. So when it starts to fail, either gradually or suddenly, and we find we are unable to do all the things we would like to, it can be very unsettling and can have a big impact on our lives. With failing eyesight, everyday tasks such as popping to the supermarket, helping the kids with their homework, or just reading a book or the newspaper become difficult and frustrating, and can lead to people feeling like they are a burden on others if they need to constantly ask for help. If this is happening to you, why not consider getting low vision aids or low vision products to make doing your everyday tasks easier?

What Is Low Vision

Low vision is defined as a bilateral impairment to a person's vision that significantly impairs the natural functioning of the person but which can not be treated readily with surgery, therapy, other medical treatments or standard glasses or contact lenses.

Low vision aids and low vision products are used as a means to help these individuals maintain a normal life and continue to do the things they enjoy where possible. Low vision is a common problem in older people as our eyesight naturally decreases with age, but as there are a number of other causes that can also result in low vision, hence such a condition can actually affect people of any age.

Causes Of Low Vision

Low vision can result from many causes, and these include:

- Trauma

- Birth Defect

- Disease

- Diabetes

- Surgical complications

- Infection

- Natural decrease in eyesight with age

Low vision aids and low vision products do not solve the cause of the problem but rather help the individual to continue to function normally by enhancing the remaining vision that the person has.

Types Of Low Vision Aids And Low Vision Products

Low vision aids and low vision products can include:

- Filters

- Microscopic or telescopic eyewear

- Magnifiers

- Adaptive equipment

- Independent living aids

- Reading telescopes

- Auto focus eye wear

- Talking appliances and voice PDA's

- Video magnification systems

- Visual field enhancement

The type or types of low vision aids and products suitable for a person can depend on many factors, including the type and degree of the vision loss, the ability of the individual to operate these aids and products, and so forth. As part of an entire treatment plan, in addition to using low vision aids and low vision products, some individuals may also undergo therapy to come to terms with the low vision condition and adjust to its effects.

Depending on the type of medical insurance you have, you may find that some of the costs incurred in evaluating and diagnosing the low vision condition by an eye doctor are covered by your insurance policy, but often the cost of the low vision aids and low vision products will not be covered.

An eye examination to assess low vision and to diagnose the extent of the problem is much more in depth than a normal eye examination, and is the main tool used to both diagnose and track the problem. Finding a good eye doctor who specialises in low vision is an important step in getting the right treatment. The recommended treatment plan may comprise of the use of low vision aids and low vision products so that the individuals can still live their life independently and safely, at home or at work.

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