What Is Low-Vision Rehab?

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Low-vision rehab is similar to other types of rehab in that they share a common goal. Specialists work (often together) to improve your day-to-day experiences as much as possible with the resources available.

The catch? Low vision can be one of the trickiest disorders to treat because there’s no one go-to solution. Here, we’ll look at why you can’t just visit a regular eye doctor in Wilmington, NC and what you can expect if you’re hoping to revamp your lifestyle.

The Challenges of Low-Vision

Prismatic glasses, telescopic lenses, VR technology: you’re liable to find all kinds of solutions if you’re searching for ways to treat your low vision. However, the reality is that the promises against the reality of these devices can be offputting at best. When you visit the low-vision specialist, you can set more than just realistic expectations, you can figure out a better course of treatment with a real advisor by your side.

The Steps of Low-Vision Rehab

The basic steps of low-vision rehab include:

  • Discussion and counseling: You’ll discuss not just what you’re looking for but why it’s a priority. You’ll also get counseling about how to make specific lifestyle changes for better long-term results.
  • Assessment and solutions: Low-vision devices, adaptive equipment, and training can all go a long way to helping you hold onto your independence.

If you’re looking for a low-vision program in Wilmington, NC that can support you through more than an appointment or two, call The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina today to learn more about how our staff has helped define the latest treatments in low-vision, and what we’ve done to improve the lives of our patients.

How to Prepare for a Low-Vision Evaluation

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A low-vision exam in Wilmington, NC is different from a standard eye exam, so it can help to prepare for the process before you go. Here, we’ll look at the answers to some frequently asked questions, so you can get ready.

How Much Time Will an Eye Exam Take?

Usually, the process will take about 60 minutes. This includes both the testing process as well as questions about your family history and discussion of goals. For example, if you’re itching to get back behind the wheel, you may need a different treatment path than if you’re looking to go back to birdwatching.

Do I Need to Bring Anything with Me?

At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we recommend bringing any eyewear that you use to help you see, whether that’s regular glasses, contacts, or specialized glasses. You may also want to bring in a sample of your favorite hobby, like a crochet project, to help you gauge whether different devices help you see better. Finally, include a list of any prescriptions or supplements you’re taking to ensure you don’t forget anything.

What Will the Eye Doctor Test?

The eye doctor will test for your visual acuity and field, assessing both the internal and external parts of the eye. They’ll also look at your color vision and depth perception.

Why See a Low-Vision Specialist?

A low-vision specialist in Wilmington, NC can do more than just standard testing. For example, they may recommend low-vision rehab, which is a more specialized program for people with more extensive needs. Whether your low-vision is caused by a stroke or macular degeneration, the team at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina can evaluate your condition and help you find the best solutions for you.

 

What to Know About TBIs and Low-Vision

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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur anywhere and any time and, unfortunately, they don’t always present with severe symptoms. Here, we’ll look at what you should know about how low-vision can often stem from TBIs and how your brain interprets images after it’s been damaged.

TBIs and Vision

A TBI will only impact your vision if the damage happens to a part of the brain that processes images. Unfortunately, thanks to the complex circuits in your brain, doctors may not be able to predict how your brain will react over time to different types of injuries.

If you do sustain damage, you’re likely to experience double vision, blurry vision, or decreased peripheral vision. In the most extreme cases, you’ll lose vision in one or both sides of the eye (whether permanently or temporarily).

Who Should Treat Low-Vision?

Low-vision refers to a condition that you can’t fix with standard visual aids or surgery. If you’ve had a TBI, you might work with multiple specialists, including neurologists and low-vision specialists in Wilmington, NC, as a way to help you contain and control damage from a TBI.

What Is Low Vision Rehab?

Low vision rehab in Wilmington, NC is a multi-step process where you discuss your vision goals and receive counseling, support, and solutions from a specialist. They can also work with the rest of your team to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we can tell you more about recovery after a TBI. Whether it just happened or the symptoms are getting worse, contact us to learn more about your options.

Do Side-Vision Awareness Glasses Look Like Regular Glasses?

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When it comes to low vision, including loss of side vision, there are multiple options available to patients. What you choose can depend on anything from the severity of your condition to personal preference. Side-Vision Awareness Glasses™ (SVAG) refers to a proprietary optical system that was developed by Dr. Errol Rummel to be more effective than the other choices on the market — and one that would look as good as it worked. Here, we’ll look at not just the aesthetics of SVAG, but how they work to keep you safe.

The Look of Side-Vision Awareness Glasses

Side-Vision Awareness Glasses in Durham, NC have clear lenses, just like standard glasses. This advanced technology doesn’t rely on the thick, round prisms that lie on the surface of the lens, which can make your eyes look blurry or otherwise skewed. In fact, you’d have to look very closely to see the lens line that makes it possible to see what’s all around you.

Is It Difficult to Wear SVAG?

No. In fact, the learning curve is very short because the SVAG system was designed to help you transition your vision based on the activity at hand. It takes just a millimeter or two of eye movement for the wearer to find the best view, so there’s minimal disruption.

Can SVAG Help Me Drive Again?

The answer ultimately depends on your condition, but even under severe circumstances (including stroke), you may be able to explore the option. If you’re interested in whether Side-Vision Awareness Glasses are right for you, contact the team at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina to discuss how it works with our low-vision specialists in Durham, NC and what you can expect from the system.

What’s a Low-Vision Lamp?

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A low-vision lamp in Wilmington, NC increases illumination and reduces glare, so it’s possible for people with low vision to see their surroundings. It can be a huge game-changer if and to find the right lighting solution, particularly if there are certain parts of your home that you’ve been avoiding. Here, we’ll look at how they work and how to select the best one for you.

Low-Vision Lamps

These lamps often use specialized bulbs to scatter light and minimize any stray light that can result in dangerous glare. Or they use semi-transparent covers to spread the light more evenly across the area.

There’s more than one low-vision lamp available, depending on what you’re looking for. Some lamps are for whole areas, while others are designed for specific close-up tasks, like reading or chopping. Some even integrate a magnifying lens, which can help you work on even the most detailed projects (e.g., embroidery, etc.).

Do Low-Vision Lamps Work?

This ultimately depends on the type of condition you have and your general expectations. For example, if you’ve had a stroke, you may only see a correction if you bend the light via prismatic glasses rather than scatter the light. The quality of the lamp depends on everything from the materials used to the sophistication of the design.

What to Know About Choosing a Lamp

Most lamps offer different options, like cool white or natural, to brighten the whole room. To understand if a lamp will help and, if so, which one (at which settings) is right for you, contact a low-vision specialist in Wilmington, NC to learn more. At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we can give you the recommendations you need to see more clearly.

Why Family History Matters If You Have Low-Vision

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The term ‘low vision’ is one that goes beyond the standard descriptions of near-sighted or far-sighted. So, while it’s important to know your family history no matter what type of vision you have, it may matter more if your clan has a stark history of major eye disorders or diseases. Here, we’ll look at the genetic connection and why it may make a difference to your eventual outcome.

Causes of Low Vision: What to Know

Some eye conditions, like myopia, are relatively easy to predict. The odds are defined based on the inherited traits from your parents. However, the major disorders that lead to low vision in Durham, NC, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, retinal diseases, and cataracts, don’t enjoy the same clear-cut statistics.

What can be said is that nearly every major disorder does seem to have a genetic component, even if that component is by no means a guarantee. For example, if you have a specific type of gene variant, you’re at triple the risk for AMD. If your family has a history of glaucoma, you may be up to nine times more at risk for it.

Finding an Eye Doctor in Durham, NC

How would you know if you had a specific type of gene variant? Most people wouldn’t even know where to start to answer this question. This is just one reason why it helps to speak with a low vision eye doctor in Durham, NC about your history. Ideally, you’ll catch the problem before it becomes a threat, but no matter when you seek help, the right specialist can recommend treatments to manage or improve your condition.

At The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, we’re here to help you sort out the answers.

Talk With Your Eye Doctor about These Three Low Vision Symptoms

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Having any symptom that disturbs your vision can be a jarring experience, whether it comes on gradually or suddenly. Any vision disturbances that stop you from being able to do the things you need to do and enjoy doing because of low vision need to be addressed promptly. Here at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina, our eye doctors in Wilmington, Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville urge anyone with the following symptoms to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Night Blindness

Nyctalopia (night blindness) means that your eyes have a hard time adjusting to light level changes, or that it’s tough to see when the light levels are dim or dark. This is a symptom that can point to several different low-vision eye conditions, including:

  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • A side effect of LASIK
  • Cone-rod dystrophy
  • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Congenital stationary night blindness

It’s important to visit your eye doctor for a diagnosis of why this symptom is occurring to receive appropriate vision care.

Loss of Central or Peripheral Vision

If your field of view starts to fade and disappear in the center so that only your side view remains, schedule an appointment at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina right away. This is a serious vision symptom that could have many different causes, including macular degeneration.

If you start losing detail and clarity in your side view field of vision (peripheral vision or “tunnel vision”), a wide range of general health conditions and vision-specific conditions could be in play, including high blood pressure, concussions, retinal detachment, glaucoma, diabetes-related retinopathy, and more.

Blurry Vision

When your field of vision loses its sharp, crisp quality and things look fuzzy or blurry, a wide range of conditions could be in play, from age-related vision loss or screen-related eye strain to migraines and retinal detachment. If the blurriness does not go away after resting your eyes for a while, it’s important to talk with your eye doctor.

Call the Eye Doctors Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham, and Asheville Neighbors Trust

No matter what symptoms of low vision you’re experiencing, we urge you to schedule an appointment with the North Carolina eye doctors at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina nearest you. We can help folks with low vision experience a marked improvement in their quality of life and ability to see with specially-designed glasses.

 3 Signs of Low Vision to Watch For As You Get Older

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Low vision is a condition that can cause difficulty in everyday activities. As you get older, you’re more likely to experience low vision. If you have this problem, your eye doctor in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC, can help.

Knowing the signs of low vision is the first step. If you believe that you have low vision, you can get help from a professional. Below, we’ve listed some of the common signs that you have low vision. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Difficulty Seeing At Night

Many people who have low vision have difficulty seeing at night. If your night vision is so poor that you are uncomfortable going outdoors or avoiding activities that would involve being outside at night, then you may have low vision.

2. Difficulty with Reading, Driving, and Cooking

Everyday activities like reading, driving, and cooking require you to see well. If these activities used to be easy and are now difficult for you, this could be due to low vision. Your eye doctor may be able to help with prescription lenses tailored to your needs.

3. Bumping Into Things

Do you feel like you bump into things more than you used to? This could be due to low vision. This can be dangerous, especially if you’re living on your own. Get help from a professional.

If you think you need low vision treatment in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC, don’t wait to get help. The professionals at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina are here to diagnose and treat your condition.

For low vision treatment in Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham, NC, call today.

When Should You Seek Help for Low Vision?

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Do you struggle to see clearly? Has your eyesight become worse with age? You may be dealing with low vision due to eye conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Our optometrists in Durham, Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, NC, at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina offer ways to manage this challenge so you can still enjoy your usual activities. Let’s take a closer look at when it’s time to seek care for low vision.

Family History of Low Vision

Does it run in your family? If so, you may have a higher risk of having low vision or eye diseases that are associated with it.

Behavioral Issues in Kids

Low vision doesn’t affect adults only. If your child struggles to see in class or has behavioral problems, this may be due to vision issues. We can evaluate their vision and recommend treatment.

Underlying Health Conditions

Do you have any diseases or other risk factors that increase your chance of having low vision? If you have diabetes, obesity, or other factors, you should schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

Low Vision Symptoms

Are you experiencing any signs of low vision, such as problems with depth perception, night vision, or peripheral vision? You should see our eye doctors if you’ve been having any symptoms.

Trouble with Everyday Activities

Are you having a tough time with daily tasks due to low vision? We can help you manage it effectively so it doesn’t affect your everyday life as much.

Schedule a Low Vision Evaluation Today!

Is it time to have your eyes checked? Our eye doctors at The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina can evaluate them and provide treatment as needed. We offer low vision care in Durham, Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, NC.

3 Common Causes of Low Vision (And How to Correct Them)

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Low vision is a common issue that causes a lot of discomfort to many Americans for various reasons. While this may largely be due to aging, some common eye diseases or injuries can contribute to the rapid degeneration of your eyesight.

The Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Wilmington and Asheville, NC, provide full and professional eye care services that can reduce degeneration and help to restore eyesight regardless of the issue.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is more than just deteriorating eyesight, it is characterized by impaired vision that cannot be fixed with common methods, such as prescriptive lenses, medication, or surgery. Common causes of low vision are through certain eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts.

How Low Vision is Often Formed

Aging

Low vision is attributed to aging but can go above and beyond this characterization. For example, certain acquired diseases such as glaucoma can develop throughout one’s life. Low vision can also come as a result of eye injuries, such as blunt trauma or infections.

Genetics

There are various diseases that are congenital ( present at birth) or develop throughout one’s life due to genetics. Common congenital diseases are cataracts, which are present at birth but may not become fully pronounced until later on in life. Optic atrophy is a condition that weakens the optic nerves within the eye and is mostly due to genetic inheritance.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle has a large effect on low vision diseases. The most common one is macular degeneration, which is a loss of central vision. This is more common in those over 50, and those who eat diets high in saturated fat and have high blood pressure.

Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Asheville and Wilmington, NC

Low vision does not go away on its own and becomes more pronounced the longer you hold off treatment. An appointment with the Low Vision Centers of Charlotte, Asheville or Wilmington, NC, ensures that you have the professional advice necessary for proper recommendations on your unique situation.