What is low vision?
Low vision is a term used to describe several levels of very limited sight which interfere with a person's daily routine activities.

Under the general classification of low vision is "partially sighted," which means visual acuity (clearness or sharpness of vision) that when corrected is still between 20/70 and 20/200. A person with a 20/70 can clearly distinguish an object at 20 feet that a person with normal vision can clearly distinguish at 70 feet.

A second category of low vision is "legal blindness," which means visual acuity that cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 and/or restricted field of vision less than 20 degrees.

MAKING LOW VISION LIVEABLE
Some vision problems cannot, as yet, be corrected. But there are things we can do to help people with low vision maintain independent lifestyles.

Vision Park will evaluate each individual to see what options are indicated. If appropriate, we will recommend low vision therapy which enhances partial vision through microscopic lenses, telescopes and sophisticated optical aids. Low vision aids do not restore sight, but they will help the visually impaired make the best use of their existing vision.

We also encourage low vision persons to make use of large-print books and magazines, books on cassette, closed circuit television, or special training. Other assistance is available through a variety of organizations, such as reading information services and independent living assistance programs - ask us for details!

Low vision - handicap or hurdle?
People who have a low vision problem sometimes feel all alone. They are not. About one out of every 20 Americans has low vision.

Many are unable to read ordinary print or watch television, even with conventional glasses or contact lenses. Others have a quite narrow field of view, like looking through a tube or tunnel.

Some people who have low vision think it is an overwhelming or impossible handicap. We believe, however, it is more like a hurdle. It can be overcome. Many people have done it. It takes desire, determination and a willingness to accept a new way of seeing. The reward that awaits is the ability to handle daily activities and to maintain independence.

Getting a grip on low vision
Some people are born with a low vision problem. Others develop the condition later in life through illness, injury or normal aging. Whether the person is a child, teen, adult or older adult, he or she needs to understand the situation thoroughly.

Low vision problems range from legal blindness to any vision impairment that, even with conventional prescription lenses, prevents participating in or enjoying a desired visual activity.

Understanding the causes
Low vision may be due to a congenital or inherited eye defect such as albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, optic atrophy or nystagmus.

If the condition develops later in life, the cause is likely to be glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration or diabetes. In some cases, as with glaucoma or diabetes, loss of vision can be minimized or controlled through early diagnosis and treatment.

Seeking treatment for an eye or general health problem is the first step to maintaining remaining vision. Obtaining optometric low vision care is the next step to help maximize the use of remaining vision.

Finding the right professional care
All optometrists are educated to provide low vision care but not all chose to offer it in their practices. We at Vision Park Family Eye Care are not only highly educated on low vision, and therapy for these conditions, but are proud to be one of the few professional organizations in the midwest to provide this service to our patients. If you or a family member feel you have a low vision situation, please call us at (515) 270-2490 for an appointment.

The low vision evaluation will begin with an interview covering your health history, personal/social/educational/vocational vision needs and what is required through low vision care. This will be followed by a thorough evaluation of eye health.

After this examination, we will evaluate the findings and determine the proper optical and non-optical aids. We will then explain how these aids will help; what they look like; comfort factors; and how to use them for specific tasks. We will also arrange for training in the use of these aids.

To benefit most from low vision care, it is important to have a realistic understanding of these aids and what they do. Low vision aids do not restore sight but help to use remaining sight more effectively. We will also discuss referrals to services in your local community for the visually impaired, if necessary.

Previewing low vision aids
There are many types of low vision aids that can help improve sight when conventional glasses or contact lenses cannot.

Low vision optical aids range from simple magnifying lenses to sophisticated lens systems that provide magnification or field enlargement. They include telescopic lenses for distance vision and microscopic lenses, magnifying glasses and closed circuit televisions for close work such as reading. Non-optical low vision aids include special illumination, filters and large-print materials.

Increasing chances for success
Our knowledge and skills, the low vision aids prescribed and training given in using them properly are all significant factors in achieving success with low vision care.

The most important ingredient, however, is the person with low vision. His or her desire and motivation will go a long way in assuring success in the effective use of a low vision aid.

Westmark II Plaza 2699 86th St. Urbandale, Iowa 50322 515.270.2490 800.779.2490 M-W, Friday 8am-5pm Thursday 9am-7pm Saturdays by appointment only	Fox Prairie Plaza 640 South 50th Street, Suite 2180 West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 515.225.8667 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm