Low Vision Glasses: An Important Option to Lessen the Risk of Cognitive Decline

/in /by

If you or a loved one has low vision, you’re likely familiar with the challenges it brings to daily life. Tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, or navigating familiar spaces can become daunting. However, there’s another, less obvious consequence of vision loss that deserves our attention: its link to cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Link Between Vision Loss and Cognitive Decline

Recent studies have confirmed a compelling relationship between visual impairment and cognitive decline. According to research published on PubMed and other reputable sources, individuals with untreated vision loss are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. This is a concerning revelation, but it also provides an opportunity for proactive intervention.

The connection between vision and cognitive health isn’t entirely surprising. Vision plays a critical role in how we engage with the world. When vision is impaired, it can lead to social isolation, reduced mental stimulation, and even depression—all of which are known risk factors for cognitive decline.

How Low Vision Aids Can Help

Low vision aids are tools designed to help individuals with visual impairments maximize their remaining vision. But their benefits go far beyond simply enhancing sight. By improving the ability to engage in vision-related activities, these aids can also help maintain cognitive health. Here’s how:

  1. Enhancing Social Interaction
  2. Vision impairment often makes it difficult to recognize faces, make eye contact, and read body language—essential components of meaningful social interaction. Social isolation, in turn, can accelerate cognitive decline. Low vision aids such as bioptic telescopes can help by enabling better facial recognition and improving the ability to read subtle social cues. This promotes more frequent and meaningful interactions, which are essential for maintaining cognitive function.
  3. Boosting Mental Stimulation
  4. Reading, whether it’s books, newspapers, or digital content, is a powerful way to keep the brain active. Magnifiers, screen readers, and other assistive devices can make reading accessible again, ensuring that individuals with low vision can continue to engage in mentally stimulating activities.
  5. Improving Quality of Life
  6. Struggling with daily tasks can be frustrating and disheartening, leading to a lack of motivation and decreased mental engagement. Low vision aids can restore a sense of independence, empowering individuals to handle everyday activities like cooking, shopping, or using technology. This renewed confidence can have a profound impact on overall mental well-being.

A Call to Action for Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals

Given the strong evidence linking vision loss to cognitive decline, it’s time to advocate for greater access to low vision aids. Patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers should consider these tools not only as a means to address vision challenges but also as a proactive strategy to support cognitive health.

Additionally, funding agencies and referral sources should recognize the broader benefits of low vision aids and prioritize their inclusion in treatment plans. By doing so, we can help individuals with low vision maintain their independence, preserve their cognitive function, and reduce their risk of developing dementia.

The Role of Bioptic Telescopes

One particular low vision aid, bioptic telescopes, deserves special attention. These devices are designed to enhance distance vision, making it easier to recognize faces, read signs, and navigate new environments. Beyond these practical applications, bioptic telescopes can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. By improving facial recognition and enabling better social interaction, these tools help combat two major contributors to cognitive decline: social isolation and reduced mental stimulation.

The Bottom Line

Low vision aids are much more than tools to improve sight. They are an investment in overall well-being, offering a tangible way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. If you or someone you know is living with low vision, don’t wait to explore the options available. Speak with an eye care professional today about how these devices can enhance your quality of life and support your cognitive health.

For more information, check out the growing body of research linking vision loss to cognitive decline. A good starting point is the PubMed database, where you’ll find a wealth of studies on this important topic.

Let’s work together to ensure that low vision aids are recognized and utilized not only for their vision-enhancing benefits but also for their potential to protect cognitive health and independence.

World Glaucoma Week

4 Benefits of Telescopic Glasses

/in /by

Telescopic glasses aren’t something out of a science fiction movie. They are technologically advanced vision solution that is becoming more widely used by those with low vision, thanks to optometrists in Wilmington, NC like Dr. Edward Paul. If this sounds like something that might fit what you’re going through, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the benefits of telescopic glasses.

1. Better Distance Vision

One of the biggest draws for telescopic glasses is their ability to magnify distant objects. This makes them a terrific choice for activities such as watching television, attending sporting events, or enjoying scenic views, giving wearers a sense of independence and connection to the world around them that may not have been possible otherwise.

2. Improved Task-Specific Focus

If you’re like a lot of folks and you enjoy a hobby or two, you’ll love telescopic glasses. They can be customized for specific activities that you might want to do, like reading, crafting or doing other hobbies that require accuracy and precision. You may even find that your skill improves, since you’ll become better able to see what you’re doing with less effort!

3. Increased Mobility and Independence

Getting around is tough when you have low vision. It’s harder than people who don’t have low vision realize. Telescopic glasses can assist with identifying street signs, reading labels, or recognizing faces from a distance. This boost in visual clarity enhances mobility and fosters greater independence.

4. A Non-surgical, Non-invasive Solution

Telescopic glasses provide a non-invasive alternative for individuals seeking vision enhancement. They’re a highly practical option for people who don’t make good candidates for surgery or who just want a simpler solution without having to undergo surgery.

Do you suffer from low vision in Wilmington, NC? If so, why not take a minute right now to book an appointment and learn more about the possibility of telescopic glasses for your vision troubles?

Reasons for Vision Loss Over 30

/in /by

Whether you’ve been dealing with low vision or reduced sight, you may need to see an eye doctor in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, works with patients like yourself to discover reasons for vision loss and to determine ways to help treat it.

Reasons for Vision Loss Over 30

There are several potential reasons for vision loss over the age of 30. One of them is strictly due to the aging process.

As you age, your eyes will change. Why? The lens of your eye will harden as you get older, which can lead to presbyopia (farsightedness). You may find it harder to focus on items close to you, and you could have blurry vision, as well. Combined with the relaxation of muscles that support the eye, you can feel like you’re struggling with your vision even if there is no underlying disease at play.

Some conditions can occur when you are 30 or older, though, that you’ll want to watch out for. For example, you could develop digital eye strain from being on the computer or using your cell phone all day. You could also develop computer vision syndrome (CVS), which is a direct result of being on the computer for many hours and being exposed to the light from computer screens.

Signs of CVS include:

  • Headaches
  • Tension in the neck and shoulders
  • Dry, blurry eyes
  • Eye strain

Ready To See an Eye Doctor in Wilmington, NC?

If your vision isn’t as good as it used to be, now is the time to act. Contact The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina to set up an appointment and learn how to treat conditions that affect your vision.

low vision evaluation charlotte nc

Causes of Low Vision and How to Treat Them

/in , /by

Have you ever noticed that your eyesight isn’t what it used to be? Blurry vision is not something to take lightly, as it can interfere with your enjoyment of daily life.

Multiple causes of low vision aren’t just associated with aging. Our team is specially trained to find the root cause of low vision and treat it accordingly so that you can return to enjoying your life.

The proficient team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD in Asheville, NC, is proud to serve the local community with quality vision care services, including treating low vision. This allows you to return to enjoying your life with complete confidence at every step of your journey.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is a condition that affects your ability to see clearly, even with corrective lenses.

It can significantly impact your daily life, but understanding the causes and available treatments can help you manage the condition effectively.

Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It can result from a variety of conditions, including:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinitis pigmentosa

If you are experiencing vision problems, don’t wait. Please schedule an appointment with our eye care team today.

Your Local Quality Vision Care team

It’s time to put yourself first and invest in your vision care. Trust our professional care team to help you with any vision-related issues.

We look forward to helping you achieve your goals in a warm and welcoming environment. With our knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art equipment, there is nothing we can’t handle.

During your next appointment with the talented team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD in Asheville, NC, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and quality that you and your family deserve.

3 Signs You May Have Low Vision And What to Do About it

/in , /by

Have you ever looked forward and felt that everything seemed a little blurry? Perhaps this is a new thing, or you have been dealing with it for a while.

Low vision is prevalent, but it shouldn’t affect your lifestyle. We understand that you are busy, so dealing with this issue may seem cumbersome – however, treating your eyesight as early as possible has immense benefits.

The team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD of Wilmington, NC, is proud to serve the local community with quality optical care services, including low-vision treatments, so that you can get back to seeing clearly and enjoying your lifestyle.

3 Signs You May Have Low Vision

Low vision means you have vision loss that can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

It doesn’t necessarily mean complete blindness.

Here are some common symptoms:

Difficulty Seeing Clearly: This might seem obvious, but if you’re struggling to read, recognize faces, or see details, it could be a sign of low vision. You might find yourself squinting, holding reading materials closer, or having trouble with tasks you once found easy.

The trouble with Night Vision: Do you find it harder to see in low light conditions or experience glare or halos around lights? This could be a sign of developing low vision.

Changes in Peripheral Vision: Losing your side vision can be a scary symptom, so it is important to get your eyes checked by a professional.

Your Local Trusted Optometrist

Low vision affects many Americans but can be easily treated in most cases. At our clinic, we prioritize your health and comfort and look forward to assisting you in the best way possible.

It’s time to put you and your family first so that you can see clearly and embark on the path that you have chosen with full confidence. We look forward to seeing you!

During your next appointment with the professional team at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD of Wilmington, NC, you can be sure you receive the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.

Glaucoma

Shedding Light on Telescopic Lenses

/in /by

For patients with retinal disorders, such as macular degeneration, telescopic lenses can give back some of their vision and allow them to perform normal, daily life functions. Taking magnification beyond that of regular reading glasses, these vision aids are helpful to people with specific low vision conditions.

What Are Telescopic Lenses?

Telescopic lenses are mounted on the inside of a special set of prescription glasses. The wearer can focus the lens based on what they are trying to view, similar to the way they would use binoculars. This setup can provide a significant amount of magnification for people who are struggling to see.

There are multiple types of telescopic lenses, and wearers need to have them custom-made for their specific type of vision problem. Sometimes, patients benefit from just one eye having a telescopic lens, while other patients need both eyes. If you suffer from low vision, the team at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina can help you determine which setup will best meet your needs.

Giving Hope to People with Severe Low Vision Issues

Telescopic lenses are an excellent option for people told there is nothing more to be done for their vision. We have used these lenses to help people with:

  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Inoperable vision conditions
  • Vision damage due to diabetes

Our goal is to help people with low vision regain their independence. With telescopic lenses, many patients are able to drive, read, and write again, in spite of their low vision.

If you’ve been told that there is no hope for your low vision The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina may be able to help. Reach out to oureye doctors in North Carolina today to schedule a consultation.

Do Children Suffer From Low Vision

/in /by

While low vision is most often the problem of senior adults, some children may have medical conditions resulting in low vision. See how we treat low vision in children at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD and The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina.

What is Low Vision for Children

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that about three percent of children in America are diagnosed with low vision every year. As your child ages and starts to read in school, they may experience signs of low vision.

What is low vision? Low vision is usually age-related and caused by a lack of light reaching the retina when in a normal setting. In addition, certain physical abnormalities in the eye and cornea can lead to low vision. Children who have genetic abnormalities may also suffer from low vision at an early age.

How to Test for Low Vision in Children

The way that we test for low vision in children is via a comprehensive eye and vision exam. Our eye doctors look for symptoms associated with low vision. In addition, children diagnosed with a structural abnormality or a vision impairment, such as farsightedness.

If your child shows any signs of an inability to see or read due to a lack of light in normal settings, consider a visit to the eye doctor. We can immediately test for low vision in children and set your child up for success with treatments and vision aids for low vision.

See Eye Doctors in Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, NC Now

We offer low vision aids to help reduce blurry and lost vision due to low vision. Contact our eye doctors in Charlotte, NC at 910-208-9010; our Asheville eye doctors at 910-720-4187; and our Wilmington, NC office at 910-208-9012.

What Are Vision Aids for Low Vision

/in , /by

Anyone who struggles with seeing items clearly when reading a book, driving a car, or working in the garden should consider vision aids. Everyday life can be greatly improved, even basic tasks you struggle with–when choosing vision aids in North Carolina. See how Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD supports low vision with vision aids.

What Are Vision Aids

A vision aid is a device used by an individual with vision problems. Whether the patient cannot see close objects or has blurry vision when looking far away, vision aids offer a solution. The most common types of vision aids include:

  • Magnification lenses
  • Transition lenses
  • Bifocal and trifocal eyeglasses
  • High-tech aids, such as apps or electronic light-up devices

Patients can find the right type of vision aid at our local eye doctor in Charlotte, NC. The benefits of vision aids involve overall life improvement with social, motor skills, and learning performance.

What is Low Vision

When patients complain about seeing hazy or fuzzy imagery or words, they most likely have low vision. Low vision is a type of vision condition occurring in patients who need more light for their cones to work properly.

This is “eye science” and involves the inner workings of the eyeball and retina. For people with low vision, increasing the amount of light used when doing activities like reading a recipe will allow them to see what they could not see before.

Contact an Eye Doctor in Asheville, NC, for Low Vision Treatment

Contact Dr. Paul today at 910-208-9012 for low vision correction using vision aids. We have three office locations in Wilmington, Charlotte, and Asheville, NC, to best serve our patient community. We have the resources, eyeglasses, and surgical treatments for low vision.

eye doctor charlotte nc

Are Eye Floaters a Sign of Low Vision?  

/in /by

Eye floaters are a relatively common occurrence for people, particularly if they get up too fast or skip a few hours of sleep. However, in rarer cases, eye floaters can indicate an underlying condition. Low vision, also known as weakened vision that can’t be corrected with surgery, glasses, or contacts, is not caused by eye floaters, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no connection. We’ll look at what you should know if you’re concerned about low vision in Asheville, NC.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters refer to specks or shapes that cloud your vision. They occur when the liquid in your eye comes apart from the retina. When it separates, it forms a tiny bit of fiber that will cause the shadows to appear. You’re most likely to see them if you look at very bright backgrounds, like a clear, blue sky in the middle of the day.

Eye Floaters and Low Vision

Generally, eye floaters in Asheville, NC, aren’t a cause for concern. Simple changes in your eyes usually cause them as you age. However, in some cases, floaters are a sign of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or retinopathy, all of which can lead to low vision. It’s important to pay attention to eye floaters and any other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g., pain, redness, etc.).

Low Vision Specialists in Asheville, NC

If you know the term low vision, it may be because your family has a history of the condition. (Or maybe it’s because the number of floaters you’re seeing has increased exponentially.) If you’re interested in an evaluation, the staff at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, can help you understand more about how your vision progresses over time.

Do Yellow Tinted Lens Help With Night Driving?

/in /by

Yellow-tinted lenses are popular due to their purported advantages in nighttime driving. They are especially interesting to those who suffer from low vision in Charlotte, NC, since night driving is even harder with this eyesight problem. Opinions about the efficacy of yellow-tinted lenses vary, but there is enough anecdotal evidence to warrant serious consideration.

Main Advantage of Yellow-tinted Lenses in Eyeglasses

The main purported advantage of yellow-tinted lenses is their ability to enhance contrast and reduce glare. When driving at night, bright headlights and streetlights can create intense glare, leading to discomfort and decreased visibility, especially for those with low vision. The yellow tint may help filter out the scattered light, improving contrast and reducing glare, thereby enhancing overall visibility.

LED Headlights and Glare

One of the biggest challenges faced by those who suffer from low vision in Charlotte, NC, is the glare from the LED headlights that newer vehicles are outfitted with. While LED headlights offer energy efficiency and brightness advantages, they can also contribute to increased glare and discomfort for drivers, particularly those with low vision.

How Yellow-tinted Lenses Help Against Headlights

The specific wavelength of blue light emitted by LED headlights is known to be a major contributor to glare-related issues. Yellow-tinted lenses can mitigate the effects of this blue light as they selectively filter out shorter wavelengths. This selective filtering helps reduce the intensity of glare from oncoming headlights, making it easier for individuals with low vision—and even those without low vision—to maintain better visibility on the road.

If you want to test yellow-tinted lenses, talk to your optometrist in Charlotte, NC. You can learn more about whether they might help your night vision by booking an appointment today!