How does a low vision exam differ from a regular eye exam?
A regular eye exam concentrates on diagnosing eye disease. A low vision exam focuses on designing specialized glasses and low vision devices to enhance remaining vision. A low vision exam, sometimes called a functional vision assessment, evaluates vision functioning and the effect it has on daily living activities, such as reading the newspaper or cooking. After an interview helps to determine the person’s visual goals, a low vision specialist performs a detailed visual analysis. Distance vision is evaluated using telescopic aids. High-powered microscopic spectacle lenses, telemicroscopic aids and hand or stand magnifiers may be used to evaluate near vision skills, like reading. Special eye charts are used and lighting levels are evaluated. This analysis can take as long as one hour. In addition, instruction in the proper use of devices can take ½ hour and may be repeated before aids are prescribed. Many agencies provide a loaner program so individuals can borrow aids to try them out.
A regular eye exam concentrates on diagnosing eye disease. A low vision exam focuses on designing specialized glasses and low vision devices to enhance remaining vision. A low vision exam, sometimes called a functional vision assessment, evaluates vision functioning and the effect it has on daily living activities, such as reading the newspaper or cooking. After an interview helps to determine the person’s visual goals, a low vision specialist performs a detailed visual analysis. Distance vision is evaluated using telescopic aids. High-powered microscopic spectacle lenses, telemicroscopic aids, and hand or stand magnifiers may be used to evaluate near vision skills like reading. Special eye charts are used and lighting levels are evaluated. This analysis can take as long as one hour. In addition, instruction in the proper use of devices can take 1/2 hour and may be repeated before aids are prescribed. Many agencies provide a loaner program so individuals can borrow aids to try them out
A regular eye exam concentrates on diagnosing eye disease. A low vision examination focuses on designing specialized glasses and low vision devices to enhance remaining vision. A low vision exam, sometimes called a functional vision assessment, evaluates vision functioning and the effect it has on daily living activities, such as reading the newspaper or cooking. After an interview helps to determine the person’s visual goals, a low vision specialist performs a detailed visual analysis. Distance vision is evaluated using telescopic aids. High-powered microscopic spectacle lenses, telemicroscopic aids and hand or stand magnifiers may be used to evaluate near vision skills, like reading. Special eye charts are used and lighting levels are evaluated. This analysis can take as long as one hour. In addition, instruction in the proper use of devices can take hour and may be repeated before aids are prescribed. Many agencies provide a loaner program so individuals can borrow aids to try them
