The Connection Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Low Vision

/in , /by

If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. This condition can lead to vision loss if you don’t seek treatment and manage diabetes. At Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, our optometrists in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC, provide treatments for diabetic retinopathy, such as low vision aids and rehabilitation. Let’s explore how this condition affects your vision in more detail!

How Diabetic Retinopathy Affects Your Eyes

This diabetes complication harms the retinas in your eyes, affecting your ability to see. You might not have obvious symptoms at first. But you can slowly lose your vision if you don’t get help for diabetic retinopathy.

Over time, you may develop symptoms, such as:

  • Blurry vision
  • Increasing difficulty seeing clearly
  • Eye redness and/or pain
  • Floaters

You don’t have to wait until you have noticeable symptoms of this condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, you should have a low vision evaluation done.

How Low Vision Care Helps

Having an evaluation done allows us to determine which treatment approaches might be most helpful to you. With the right care, you may be able to improve your ability to see clearly or prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

Depending on your evaluation results, we might discuss options with you, such as:

  • Low vision aids, like implanted devices
  • Low vision rehabilitation, including nutritional counseling and mobility-related training

These treatments can help you regain your quality of life while living with diabetic retinopathy!

Set Up a Low Vision Evaluation Today!

Have you been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy? Our optometrists can help treat this condition to protect your vision. We offer evaluations and treatments for low vision in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC.

Is Low Vision Preventable?

/in , /by

Low vision is more than a nuisance. The name suggests a relatively innocuous condition where a person might not see perfectly. But the complexities of this condition are much more insidious, affecting a person’s ability to live the highest possible quality of life, sometimes preventing them from engaging in common activities that others often take for granted. Given the seriousness of low vision, one might wonder if it’s preventable.

Is Low Vision Preventable?

There are multiple factors that can happen where a person develops low vision, which can be diagnosed by a Wilmington, NC optometrist. Some common causes are:

  • glaucoma
  • cataracts
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • lazy eye
  • macular degeneration
  • and many more

Many of the factors that can be an underlying reason for low vision are theoretically preventable. But in some cases, the odds may be stacked against a person for avoiding low vision.

When Low Vision May Not be Preventable

Some causes of low vision are congenital; that is, a person may be born with certain conditions that either mean they’re born with low vision or they’re born with conditions that will cause them to develop it later in life.

Healthy Lifestyle and Low Vision

If a person has a predisposition toward low vision, adopting a healthy lifestyle in a consistent manner may work to help them avoid this condition from developing. Positive lifestyle habits would include:

  • avoidance of excess in food and alcohol
  • avoidance of tobacco use in any form
  • regular exercise
  • and similar

While a person may or may not be able to prevent low vision, they can certainly get treatment for low vision in Wilmington, NC. There are rehabilitation techniques that can be practiced, as well as devices that have been invented for the explicit purpose of aiding those with low vision. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment for this condition, contact us today to book an appointment.

Shedding Light on Low Vision with The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina

/in /by

February marks Low Vision Awareness Month—a time to illuminate the possibilities for those facing vision challenges. At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, with offices in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC, Dr. Edward Paul, Dr. Alexandra Robertson, Dr. Casey Krug, and Dr. Pankti Patel are dedicated to empowering individuals with innovative low vision care.

Understanding Low Vision

Low vision isn’t a barrier to enjoying life; it’s an invitation to explore new ways of engaging with the world. When conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy diminish vision beyond correction with standard glasses or medical treatments, daily activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces can become daunting.

Empowering Through Care

Our team of low vision specialists provides personalized solutions aimed at maximizing independence and confidence. Through advanced devices, tools, and techniques—including specialized glasses, magnifiers, and adaptive lenses—we tailor care to meet individual needs. Patients often rediscover the joy of reading, reconnect with loved ones, pursue hobbies, and regain driving confidence where appropriate.

As proud members of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), we are committed to delivering compassionate, expert care that enhances quality of life.

How You Can Help

During Low Vision Awareness Month, your support can make a meaningful impact:

  1. Spread Awareness: Use social media to share stories, tips, and resources using hashtags like #LifeAfterVisionLoss and #LowVisionAwareness.
  2. Support Loved Ones: Encourage those experiencing vision loss to consult a low vision optometrist. Personalized care can be truly transformative.
  3. Connect to Resources: Many aren’t aware of specialized low vision care. Help bridge the gap by connecting individuals with the support and tools they deserve.

Why Awareness Matters

Vision loss can be isolating, but with awareness and access to resources, individuals can reclaim independence and joy in their lives. By raising awareness, you empower those with low vision to seek the help they need and seize control of their future.

Take Action Today

This February, join us in shedding light on low vision. Whether you’re sharing information, supporting a loved one, or scheduling a consultation with our team at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, your actions can make a difference.

Contact us today to explore personalized solutions tailored to your needs. Together, let’s demonstrate that life after vision loss is full of possibilities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Using Emerging Trends to Treat Low Vision

/in /by

When it comes to low vision rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC, the convergence of smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) applications, and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the possibilities, offering a glimmer of hope for individuals facing low vision challenges.

Three Emerging Trends for Treating Low Vision

1. Smart Glasses

Smart glasses equipped with state-of-the-art optics and augmented reality capabilities are emerging as tools for individuals with low vision. These sleek devices enhance experiences by magnifying images and overlaying essential information directly onto the user’s field of view.

2. Augmented Reality Applications

AR applications act as a bridge between the physical realms for people with low vision. An AR device will continually scan the environment to build up a 3D representation in which to place imagery. This 3D world gives the wearer directional heads-up cues for navigating obstacles.

3. Artificial Intelligence

The integration of AI algorithms introduces a layer to technologies designed for low-vision support. AI technology can analyze data in real time, enhancing its ability to recognize objects and convert text to speech. It also adapts to preferences, creating a responsive experience for low-vision rehabilitation.

Embracing Innovation

As these advancements redefine the field of low-vision rehabilitation, it becomes essential for individuals and eye doctors in Charlotte, NC, to embrace and advocate carefully for their integration into the mainstream.

Embracing Innovation Contributes to Promoting Accessibility

It’s important to raise awareness about the benefits of smart glasses, augmented reality (AR) applications, and AI for low vision rehabilitation in Charlotte, NC. Encourage discussions within communities, healthcare facilities, and support groups. By fostering a culture of acceptance and embracing these innovations wholeheartedly, we contribute towards creating a world where individuals with low vision can confidently navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence.

Are You Looking for an Optometrist in Charlotte, NC?

It’s time to take things into your own hands by contributing to a vision revolution where technology empowers you to navigate in exciting new ways. Contact The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina today. Together, let’s build a future where everyone, regardless of visual challenges, can see the world in a new light.

Shedding Light on Glaucoma: National Glaucoma Awareness Month

/in , /by

January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on a silent thief of vision that affects millions worldwide. Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and blindness. This blog aims to shed light on the impact of glaucoma on vision, its signs and symptoms, and its connection to low vision.

Understanding Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. As the nerve fibers deteriorate, blind spots develop in the visual field, and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

The Impact on Vision: Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, making it challenging for individuals to notice gradual changes. Over time, the disease can advance and affect central vision, leading to significant visual impairment. Since glaucoma progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and intervention.

Signs and Symptoms:

  1. Gradual Peripheral Vision Loss: One of the key indicators is the gradual loss of peripheral vision, often unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.
  2. Blurred Vision: As the optic nerve damage advances, individuals may experience blurred or hazy vision.
  3. Halos and Glare: Glaucoma can cause increased sensitivity to light, leading to the perception of halos or glare around lights.
  4. Headaches and Eye Pain: In some cases, individuals may experience headaches and eye pain, particularly when the intraocular pressure is significantly elevated.

Relation to Low Vision: Low vision refers to significant visual impairment that cannot be corrected with traditional glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Glaucoma is a leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. The irreversible damage to the optic nerve compromises the ability to see details and can greatly impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Prevention and Management:

  1. Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye examinations are crucial, especially for individuals over the age of 40 or those with a family history of glaucoma.
  2. Eye Pressure Monitoring: Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure can help identify individuals at risk.
  3. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can contribute to overall eye health.
  4. Medication and Surgery: Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, medications or surgical interventions may be recommended to manage intraocular pressure and slow down the progression of the disease.

Conclusion: National Glaucoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive eye care and early detection. By understanding the impact of glaucoma on vision, recognizing its signs and symptoms, and acknowledging its connection to low vision, individuals can take the necessary steps to preserve their sight. Regular eye examinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and prompt intervention can make a significant difference in managing glaucoma and maintaining optimal eye health.

National-Glaucoma-Awareness-Month-2024