How Long Will I Be Able to Drive With Low Vision? 

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Those who suffer from low vision in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC still have basic needs and rights, which typically includes the need to drive and the right to operate a motor vehicle. Of course, operating a motor vehicle should only be done when the driver can see properly. In fact, this is why licensing agencies make applicants take a rudimentary eye exam before issuing a driver’s license. Persons with low vision often have deteriorating vision; that is to say, they may experience worsening vision over time, limiting their ability to drive. So how long will you be able to drive with low vision? It depends.

When Was Your Low Vision Diagnosed?

If your low vision was only recently diagnosed, chances are that you are in the early stages. Early stage low vision may include minor complications such as difficulty reading or doing other activities in low light, or having trouble making out finer details in low light. In the early stages, you may be safely able to continue normal driving practices, albeit with some extra caution while driving at night.

How Diminished is Your Vision?

The length of time you’ll be able to safely drive will also depend on how diminished your vision already is. Note that with the help of certain low vision devices in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC, you may be able to maintain your driving privileges for longer.

Driving represents more than just operating a motor vehicle. It enables independence, freedom and accessibility. But if your low vision is causing increased concern over safety to yourself and others, it’s best to consider alternatives, such as public transportation, private taxis or Uber, or some other helpful low vision aids in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC for persons with low vision. Talk to us today about how to extend your safe driving abilities for as long as possible.

How Will Low Vision Impact My Life? 

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Have you recently been diagnosed with low vision in Charlotte, NC? If so, there are many things you need to know about how low vision will impact your life. The more you know about your condition, the easier it will be to take care of yourself and navigate the world safely. Here’s what to know about low vision and how it will affect you.

Increased Risk of Injuries

When you have low vision, one of the problems you’re likely to experience is an increased risk of injuries. People who have low vision trip and fall down more easily than people who don’t have low vision. This is because the tripping hazards that most people encounter throughout the day are less visible for people with low vision.

Unfortunately, this increased risk of injuries can also mean a decreased quality of life. People who trip and hurt themselves can suffer from pain in their joints and in other parts of their body, following the injuries they get because of their low vision.

Difficulty Driving At Night

Low vision can make driving at night stressful and difficult. Many people who experience low vision become reluctant to drive at night. If you have low vision, you may find yourself naturally limiting how much you’re willing to drive at night.

If you’re not sure whether you’re safe to drive at night, have a talk with your eye doctor in Charlotte, NC.

Increased Impact As You Age

Low vision is a more common problem in older people. Even if you have perfect vision now, you may someday experience low vision. To get checked for low vision, make an appointment today.

Signs You Suffer from Low Vision

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If you suffer from low vision, you could be at risk. Low vision can cause events like car accidents, slips and falls, and even problems at work or school. Knowing the signs that you have low vision is important. If you can recognize the signs of a problem, you can seek help that can lead to improved vision and less risk overall. Here’s what you need to know about the signs of low vision in Charlotte and Wilmington NC.

Your Central or Peripheral Vision is Weak

If you suffer from low vision, you may have noticed that your central or peripheral vision is not what it used to be. Sometimes patients don’t notice when their peripheral vision is going, because peripheral vision isn’t as clear as central vision anyway. If you’ve recently missed seeing something that was coming out of the corner of your eye, this could be a sign that you need to see the eye doctor in Wilmington.

It’s Hard to See At Night

Do you get nervous when driving at night because you have a hard time seeing the road? Talk to your eye doctor. If it’s hard to see at night, this could be the result of deteriorating eyesight and the onset of low vision problems.

Your Vision is Blurry or Hazy

Blurry or hazy vision could be a symptom of a variety of problems. Your eye professional at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina can help you determine whether you need low vision treatment, glasses, or a corrective procedure can help. Don’t put off a visit to the eye doctor! Getting help may be able to prevent further deterioration of your eyesight.

How is Low Vision Diagnosed?

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Some people are born with low vision, but it may also develop over time, as a person ages. Even if you enjoyed ideal vision when you were younger, it’s possible that your vision has deteriorated into the spectrum of low vision. Those over the age of 40 are more likely to develop low vision. However, anyone experiencing the symptoms of this condition should get a low vision evaluation in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC.

How is Low Vision Diagnosed?

The first step in a low vision evaluation is to find out what low vision symptoms you may be having. These include:

  • Hypersensitivity to glare
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Difficulty reading, writing or using a device such as a phone
  • Increase of “close calls” while driving
  • Loss of peripheral vision
  • And more

In addition to asking about your symptoms, your eye doctor in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC will also review your family medical history as well as your own. You’ll then undergo an eye exam where the eye doctor will examine the internal and external condition of your eyes. You’ll need to have some tests done that measure the pressure inside of your eyes, as well as your ability to read an eye chart in various fonts, sizes and light conditions. Note that part of the comprehensive low vision evaluation is to rule out certain other underlying health conditions that may be affecting your vision. The low vision evaluation will take approximately an hour, so you should plan accordingly.

Don’t take chances or delay seeking treatment for any low vision symptoms you become aware of. Ignoring these signs can be more than inconvenient; it could be dangerous to you and others, especially while operating motor vehicles. Book an appointment to come in for a low vision evaluation in Charlotte or Wilmington, North Carolina.

3 Benefits of Low Vision Aids

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Low vision aids is a broad term that can apply to a variety of specialty magnification aids. These products can include anything from loupes to telescopes to magnifying reading glasses. Unlike typical eyeglasses or magnifiers, these products are excellent for helping people with poor vision see a little clearer. If you’re looking for low vision aids in Charlotte, NC, we’ll look at the benefits of this decision.

Better Distance Viewing

Low vision aids were designed for people who need more assistance than your traditional pair of contacts or glasses can give. So if you need to be able to see farther, you can use low vision aids to give you a crisper picture of what lies beyond.

Task-Specific

Whether you’re reading small print or washing the dishes, low vision aids are designed to be task-specific, which can make your life a lot easier. In fact, much of the technology today is focused on creating portable devices that can be adjusted depending on what you’re up to throughout the day.

More Options

Low vision can interfere with your life in both expected and unexpected ways, and the frustration can cause people to skip the activities they love. Low vision aids can be a way to open the door to getting back to things you may have been missing out on.

Find an Optometrist in Charlotte, NC

If you’re looking for an optometrist in Charlotte, NC, The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina is here to help. Low vision aids come in an array and choosing isn’t always as simple as meets the eye. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re here to point you to the best technology available.

Why You Need to Bring Your Sunglasses to Your Low Vision Exam

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Do you need a low vision evaluation in Charlotte, North Carolina? If so, be sure to bring along your favorite pair of sunglasses. This exam can leave your eyes a little more sensitive for a short while afterward, so you’ll be glad to have the extra protection. Wondering why that is? To find your answer, just check out this quick guide on just why you’ll want your sunglasses after a low vision exam.

Pupil Dilation Allows for a Closer Look

To complete the low vision evaluation and fully assess your eye health, you need to have your pupils dilated using special eye drops. After a few minutes, your pupils will widen, so your eye doctor can take an even closer look at the inner structures of your eye.

Your eye doctor can then check the health of your eyes and perform a number of helpful tests, such as:

  • Acuity: Determines how well you can see letters up close and from far away
  • Color: Reveals your ability to accurately see colors across the full spectrum
  • Depth: Assesses your binocular vision strength and ability to see in 3D

Your eye doctor may perform additional low vision tests as well depending on your initial results. No matter how many tests they end up performing, your pupils will stay dilated for several hours after your appointment.

Wider Pupils Let More Light In

When not artificially dilated, your pupils would normally shrink as the light intensity increases, and then grow wider in dim light. After getting your pupils dilated, however, they stay big, which lets in far too much light in bright conditions.

Since this can feel rather uncomfortable, save yourself the trouble and simply bring your sunglasses. You can then pop on your shades whenever the world feels much too bright and comfortably wait for the dilation to wear off.

Ready for a Low Vision Evaluation in Charlotte, North Carolina?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low vision, you can schedule an evaluation with our Charlotte, North Carolina, eye doctors by calling 910-208-9010. During your call, we’ll help you find a convenient time to come by and let you know what to expect. We’ll also provide a reminder to bring along your sunglasses, so you can comfortably shield your eyes from bright light after your exam.

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Can Low Vision Be Reversed?

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When most people think of low vision, blindness is the first thought that comes to mind. However, it is not considered to be blindness, since limited sight does still remain. But for those who suffer with this condition, it cannot be corrected by standard glasses, contact lenses, or even surgery. If you are questioning whether or not low vision can be reversed, keep the following information in mind when you visit with your eye doctor in Charlotte, NC.

What Causes Low Vision?

If you suffer from low vision, it was likely caused by diabetes, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Should your low vision in Charlotte, NC be caused by diabetic retinopathy, certain treatments may be available to maintain your current vision or possibly restore some vision. Yet in most cases, low vision will be permanent.

Common Types of Low Vision

Unfortunately, there are many types of low vision in Charlotte, NC. These include a loss of central or peripheral vision, night blindness, blurry vision, and hazy vision, which is characterized by your entire field of vision seeming to be covered by a glare or film.

Low Vision Aids Can Help

While your low vision may be permanent, the good news is that there are many different types of low vision aids that can improve your vision and quality of life. The most common include specialized telescopic glasses, magnifying glasses, hand magnifiers, and reading prisms. Should you suffer from retinitis pigmentosa and have no useful vision whatsoever, a retinal prosthesis may be an option. Able to partially restore vision, you may be able to successfully navigate sidewalks and doorways, read large lettering, and other tasks.

Since low vision cannot usually be reversed, prevention is key to maintaining as much of your sight as possible. Should you be diabetic or have other health conditions that could put your eyesight at risk, schedule regular appointments with your eye doctor in Charlotte, NC.

Why Do I Have to Blink So Much?

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In most cases, people blink unconsciously. The blink reflex is spontaneous and generally happens so fast that it goes unnoticed. Most people would be hard-pressed to guess how many times they blink in the span of a minute. The “normal” number of blinks in a minute ranges from 15 times and 20 times, but of course, everyone is different. In general, you don’t have to worry if your blink rate is in the normal range. But there are times when your blinking is worth a second look.

When Blinking Changes Dramatically

If you all of a sudden notice that you need to blink a lot more or less than usual, you might want to see an eye doctor. Changes in blink rates can indicate that something is going on with your eyes.

For instance, you may develop a condition known as dry eyes. Dry eyes syndrome is a serious condition that means your eyes are not getting the moisture they need to be healthy. Dry eyes can be caused by:

  • Temporary external conditions
  • Physical deformity or malfunction in the eye
  • Eye injury
  • Lifestyle

If you notice that your blinking rate has increased or noticeably decreased, contact your eye doctor in Wilmington or Charlotte. Never ignore this development, as further damage to the eye could occur if it’s not treated promptly.

Computer Use and Blinking

A disturbing research report shows that people who use their computers for extended periods of time blink up to 66 percent less. You recall that blinking adds moisture to the surface of the eye, you can see that this lifestyle habit isn’t healthy. To prevent this occurrence, take regular breaks from the computer or at least look away at something in the distance.

Don’t ignore changes in your blinking habits. Your eye doctor in Charlotte or Wilmington will be able to help diagnose any problem and get you treated accordingly.

 

What Can I Do to Prevent Low Vision?

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Low vision can impact your quality of life, so preventing it from occurring is the best thing you can do. While some people have a natural predisposition to develop low vision later in life, there are still many lifestyle habits you can assume that could help you avoid problems with low vision in later adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about preventing a problem relating to low vision.

Protect Your Eyes At Work

If you work in an environment that could be hazardous to your eyes – maybe because you’re regularly exposed to chemicals or flying debris – protect your eyes with proper protective equipment. Your employer will likely provide you with this protective equipment, and will probably train you to use it. If not, there are many guidelines on OSHA’s website that can provide you with instructions on how to protect your eyes in the workplace.

See the Eye Doctor Regularly

See the eye doctor on a regular basis to catch vision problems before they become severe. Make annual appointments to get an eye exam, even if you don’t currently need to wear glasses.

Don’t Smoke

You probably know that smoking is bad for your lungs – but did you know it’s bad for your eyes too? Research shows that smoking is linked to age-related macular degeneration. Avoid smoking to protect your vision.

Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Wear quality sunglasses that indicate they block the sun’s rays.

Concerned You Have Low Vision? Contact Your Eye Doctor

If you have symptoms of low vision, make an appointment to get a low vision evaluation from The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina. Call today to schedule your exam and get low vision treatment that can improve your quality of life.

 

Most Common Causes of Low Vision

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Low vision is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Wilmington, NC, low vision impacts people in all different walks of life, of all ages. Sometimes low vision is genetic, but other times, it develops over time. If you can possibly prevent low vision from developing, you should, since low vision is often not reversible. Here are some common causes of low vision to be aware of.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where pressure is placed on the eye and vision is reduced or lost. Glaucoma has no symptoms, so it’s essential that you have regular eye doctor visits, where you’ll receive a non-invasive glaucoma test.

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

This is one of the causes of low vision that is inherited. It’s a condition that means the optic nerves are abnormally small. While optic nerve hypoplasia can’t be treated, there are ways that your Wilmington eye doctor can help improve your life with low vision.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

This is a condition that affects the color of the retina and causes low vision. It’s an inherited condition and is not treatable. However, if this is the case of your low vision, talk to you Wilmington eye doctor about your options for improving your quality of life.

Eye Injury

Traumatic eye injuries can cause low vision. In some cases, these injuries may heal and full vision may be restored. In other cases, eye doctor intervention is needed and certain treatments may help to bring back full vision.

Macular Degeneration

This can come on due to aging or a related condition such as diabetes, obesity, or other reasons. If caught early enough, treatment may halt the progression of low vision.

If you suspect that you are developing low vision, please contact our office in Wilmington, NC. We have a variety of options available to make life with low vision more manageable.