Can I Drive If I Have Low Vision?

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If you have low vision, it’s only natural if you find yourself wondering whether you’re allowed to drive. The answer to that question can be complicated, so if you have low vision and would like to continue driving, it’s important to work with your eye doctor in Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. Here’s what you need to know about driving with low vision.

Every State is Different

Every state has different requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. If you’re trying to get a driver’s license with low vision in North Carolina, the state does place minimum requirements on visual acuity for drivers. The requirements include a minimum of “20/200 visual acuity in one or both eyes through conventional eyeglass lenses (if needed) and at least 20/70 visual acuity in one or both eyes through a bioptic telescope.”

These requirements can change with law and rule changes, so it’s important to stay up to date with the North Carolina DMV. If you have questions about your ability to drive, contact the DMV directly. If you live in another state, you’ll need to contact your state’s DMV to find out whether you meet the requirements to get a driver’s license where you live.

If You Drive, Drive Responsibly

Even if you meet the minimum requirements to drive, it’s also important to know your own limitations and to drive responsibly. Work with your eye doctor to get the best care for your eyes and to ensure that you’re able to see as much as you can when you’re out in the world. Start by getting a low vision exam in Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington, NC. To schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD.

Cooking with Low Vision: Tips and Tricks  

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Low vision can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. It can affect your ability to drive, read and even your ability to cook safely. Working with your eye doctor in Wilmington, Charlotte and Asheville NC, you can recapture some independence and ability to do the tasks you love, even with low vision. Here’s what you need to know about cooking with low vision.

Seek Adaptive Kitchen Tools

There are many kitchen tools that people with low vision can use to make cooking easier. Some examples of the type of kitchen tools that someone with low vision can benefit from include:

  • Measuring cups that have bold, dark text that’s easy to read
  • Electronic devices that “talk” (talking microwave, talking kitchen scale)
  • Cutting boards that are brightly colored, that will stand in contrast to dark-colored foods
  • Food choppers (quickly cut up foods without posing a danger to the user)
  • Cooking utensils and knives with brightly colored handles

Using tools like these in the kitchen can make it easier to see what’s happening in the kitchen while cooking. These tools can also prevent accidents and can make cooking more efficient.

Enhance Visibility In the Kitchen

The following tips help make maneuvering around the kitchen safer and easier:

  • Lighten work areas in the kitchen with gooseneck lights
  • Use measuring cups that contrast sharply with the food being measured
  • Use paint or stickers to indicate frequently used settings or buttons on the oven, microwave, blender and more

Maneuvering around the kitchen with low vision can be a challenge, but it helps to see an eye doctor that can give you suggestions for making the kitchen safe.

Want to know more about living with low vision? Contact Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD to get help with low vision care in Wilmington, Charlotte and Asheville NC.

 

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Macular Degeneration Prevention 101: The Role of Ultraviolet Protection

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May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at educating people about the importance of protecting their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. As a low vision doctor, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about how UV-protection plays a critical role in preventing macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive disease that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a loss of central vision, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the more common type caused by the buildup of debris called drusen in the macula. Wet macular degeneration is less common and is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which leak blood and fluid into the macula.

While there is no known cure for macular degeneration, there are several ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease or slowing its progression. One of the most effective ways to do this is by wearing UV protection.
UV radiation is a type of energy that comes from the sun and can also be emitted by artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation can cause damage to the skin and eyes, and prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a known risk factor for macular degeneration.

Studies have shown that people who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate UV protection are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. This includes the activities that you may normally attribute to protecting yourself from UV rays, like swimming and tanning, as well as activities like fishing, boating, and winter sports. The UV rays reflect off of the water or snow and can cause oxidative stress and damage to the cells in the retina, including the macula.

To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation, it is important to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Look for sunglasses that are labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.” This will ensure that the sunglasses block both UVA and UVB radiation.
It is also important to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate clouds and still reach your eyes. Additionally, wearing a hat with a brim can provide additional protection from UV radiation.

As a low vision doctor, I encourage my patients to prioritize their eye health by taking steps to reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration. Wearing UV protection is one of the most effective ways to do this, and it’s a simple step that can have a significant impact on your eye health.

For my peers in the healthcare industry, I encourage you to educate your patients about the importance of UV protection and to incorporate discussions about UV protection into your routine eye exams. Many people are not aware of the risks associated with UV radiation, and by raising awareness, we can help reduce the number of people who develop macular degeneration.

As far as Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we do not offer treatments for macular degeneration, but we do offer sunglasses. We also offer low vision glasses for people so that patients can find ways to continue to participate in daily life and activities, even if other types of glasses no longer provide the vision support required.

As we observe Ultraviolet Awareness Month, let us all make a commitment to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. By wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection and taking other steps to reduce our exposure to UV radiation, we can reduce our risk of developing macular degeneration and preserve our vision for years to come.

It’s never too late to start taking steps to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Whether you’re young or old, healthy, or already experiencing vision problems, wearing UV protective eyewear can help prevent further damage to your eyes and reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. So, make sure to wear your sunglasses and stay safe in the sun!

Excerpt/Snippet: May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at educating people about the importance of protecting their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

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How Normal Aging Can Contribute to Low Vision

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It’s common to develop vision impairment as we age. In fact, refractive errors such as presbyopia,or nearsightedness, often occur after the age of 45. However, some eye conditions make it more difficult to see than others. These include conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. If you’re struggling with low vision, your eye doctor in Wilmington, NC, can help you find solutions.

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is a reduced ability to see, and it’s usually permanent. Unlike problems caused by refractive errors, low vision can’t be fixed through prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Instead, it must be managed in ways that help you go on with your daily activities. Usually, this involves using low-vision aids, including magnifying glasses, mounted loupes, hand magnifiers, or reading telescopes.

What Causes Low Vision?

Chronic conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetes, and glaucoma are common causes of low vision. Unlike other medical ailments, lost vision usually can’t be corrected. And because most of the conditions that cause low vision worsen with age, simply the act of getting older can contribute to reduced vision.

Low vision can make it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces by sight. However, with the help of low-vision aids, you can still maintain your quality of life.

How Do I Know If I Have Low Vision?

If your vision seems blurrier than it used to be, or if you’re having an increasingly difficult time seeing well enough to read or drive, low vision could be the culprit. This condition may affect your central or peripheral vision. Or, it may contribute to night blindness — the inability to see well in low light.

If you notice vision changes like these as you age, a visit to your eye doctor is recommended.

Help for Low Vision in Wilmington, NC

For the diagnosis and treatment of low vision in Wilmington, NC, call the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina. Dr. Edward Paul is waiting to help you manage life with low vision.

Sources

Low Vision Evaluation

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/low-vision#:~:text=Low%20vision%20is%20a%20vision,Drive

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/low-vision/overview/ovc-20519042#:~:text=Low%20vision%20means%20having%20impaired,include%20glaucoma%2C%20cataracts%20and%20diabetes.

What is Low Vision Care?

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Low vision is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a term used to describe significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Individuals with low vision may have difficulty performing everyday activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

The professional team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D., of Wilmington, NC, is proud to serve the local community with premium low-vision care services to help restore your confidence in a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Low vision care is specialized to help individuals with low vision maximize their visual abilities and maintain their independence. It is a collaborative effort between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in low-vision care.

This also focuses on helping individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision through visual aids, environmental modifications, and training. The goal is to help individuals with low vision achieve their goals and maintain independence.

Why is Low Vision Care Important?

Low vision can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It can make it difficult or impossible to perform everyday tasks, such as reading, writing, cooking, or driving. This can lead to frustration, isolation, and a loss of independence.

We can help individuals with low vision overcome these challenges by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to maintain their independence and quality of life. By working with a low-vision specialist, individuals with low vision can learn how to use visual aids, make environmental modifications, and develop new skills to help them achieve their goals.

Types of Services and Devices Available for Low-Vision Care

Visual aids are devices that can help individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and should complement proper glasses or contacts. There are many different types of visual aids available, including:

  • Magnifiers: Magnifiers are handheld devices that can be used to enlarge text and images.
  • Telescopes: Telescopes are devices that can see distant objects more clearly.
  • Microscopes: Microscopes are devices that can see small objects more clearly.
  • Filters: Filters are devices that can enhance contrast and reduce glare.
  • Electronic devices: Electronic devices, such as video magnifiers and screen readers, can be used to enlarge text and images or convert text to speech.

Environmental Modifications

Environmental modifications involve changing an individual’s environment to make it easier to see and navigate. Some common ecological changes include:

  • Increased lighting: Adding more lighting can help make it easier to see.
  • Contrast enhancement: Adding contrast to surfaces, such as painting door frames a contrasting color, can help make them easier to see.
  • Organizational tools: Using administrative tools, such as label makers and high-contrast calendars, can help individuals with low vision stay organized.

Your Trusted Low Vision Care Expert

Low vision can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the proper care and support, patients can lead fulfilling and independent lives. Low-vision care professionals, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, and occupational therapists, can provide patients with the tools and resources to maximize their vision and maintain their quality of life. Suppose you or a loved one is living with low vision. In that case, it’s essential to seek out the care of a qualified low-vision specialist who can help you navigate the challenges of this condition and find the solutions that work best for you.

During your next appointment with the proficient team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, Ph.D., of Wilmington, NC, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and guidance you and your unique situation deserve.

World Glaucoma Week

See Clearly into the Future: The Importance of World Glaucoma Week

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World Glaucoma Week is an annual event held every March to raise awareness about glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide. The week is marked by special global awareness events and activities.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half of them are aware of their condition. This is why it is so important to spread awareness about glaucoma and the role that low vision doctors can play in helping those with the disease.

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop gradually and without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. The most common type of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly over time and can be painless. In fact, many people with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms until they have already lost a significant amount of vision.

This is where our low vision doctors play a crucial role. We specialize in helping people with vision loss caused by a variety of conditions, including glaucoma. We help people with glaucoma manage their vision loss and continue to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

One of the main ways that we can help those with glaucoma at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina is by providing low vision aids and devices. These can include special prescription binocular glasses (often bioptic telescopes) and other aids that help people with vision loss to see better. By using these aids and glasses, people with glaucoma can continue to read, watch TV, and perform other activities that they enjoy.

Our low vision doctors can also work with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for those with glaucoma. This can include working with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other specialists to ensure that people receive the best possible care for their condition and know all of their options.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk for the disease, it is important to schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor. This can help to detect glaucoma early and ensure that it is managed effectively. In addition to regular eye exams, our low vision doctors also provide specialized care for those with glaucoma.

To get the most out of your low vision doctor appointment, it is important to come prepared with questions and concerns. You may want to ask your low vision doctor about specific low vision aids and devices that can help you to see better.

Glaucoma doesn’t have to slow you down. Call our office today to schedule your glaucoma screening or low vision evaluation to learn about your options. 910-720-4187

Top Three Symptoms of Low Vision and How to Solve Them

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While many Americans may experience low vision, it does not mean you need to live with it. With technological developments and a knowledgeable team, even the most severe degeneration can be solved.

The team at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina in Charlotte, NC is proud to serve three major communities with effective low-vision solutions.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision refers to a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related degeneration, injury, or disease. If you are experiencing low vision, it is important to speak with an eye doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan.

Difficulty Reading

One of the most common symptoms of low vision is difficulty reading. If you are having trouble reading small prints or seeing clearly at a normal reading distance, you may have low vision. To solve this problem, you may need to use special magnifying glasses or a magnifying device to help you see more clearly.

Troubled Periphery Vision

Another symptom of low vision is trouble with your peripheral vision, or the ability to see things to the side while looking straight ahead. If you have trouble seeing objects or people in your peripheral vision, you may have low vision. A certain device called a bioptic telescope can help you see more clearly in the periphery. Y

Myopia and Hyperopia

Low vision can also be caused by myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Proper glasses and contact lenses are the primary solutions for these low-vision issues.

Your Local Quality Low Vision Care Team

If you are experiencing low vision, it is important to speak with an eye doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan. There are many different solutions available to help you manage your low vision, including glasses, contact lenses, special devices, and assistive technologies. During your appointment with the expert team at the Low Vision Centers of North Carolina in Charlotte, NC, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and attention you deserve to improve your health and independence.