Understanding and Treating Low Vision

Low vision makes it challenging to engage in everyday activities such as reading, driving, using the computer, and recognizing people’s faces. Traditional solutions for improving vision, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, are ineffective in the treatment of low vision. Dr. Edward Paul offers low vision diagnosis and treatment in Asheville, Wilmington, and Charlotte, NC for people who have not responded well to traditional optometry solutions.

What Causes Low Vision?

Low vision typically occurs due to a medical condition affecting the eyes, such as macular degeneration. Dr. Paul is a well-respected authority on the diagnosis and treatment of this age-related eye condition. Macular degeneration is a disease of the eyes that causes blurring of the central vision. Other conditions that can lead to low vision include:

  • Cataracts: This condition develops when clumps of protein gather in the eye. Cataracts cause cloudy vision and are common as people age.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetes affects the blood vessels in the retina, and the condition can lead to significant vision loss or blindness if not detected and treated early.
  • Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerves in the back of the eye causes this slowly progressive eye disease. One of the first symptoms is the inability to see people or objects to the side very well.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Vision

The first step in diagnosing a low vision condition is to undergo a dilated eye exam with Dr. Paul. He then explains your specific condition and learns more about your vision goals. Possible treatment options include using adaptive equipment to compensate for low vision, completing vision therapy, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, and modification of your home and work environments.

Living with a low vision condition can be frustrating, but The Low Vision Centers of North Carolina are here to help. Please schedule a low vision assessment in Asheville, Wilmington, or Charlotte, NC today.