Some of the signs that you have low vision are blurred vision, poor depth perception, sensitivity to glare, double vision, problems with balance, and reading difficulty. Although they cannot be corrected, they still should be checked out by an eye specialist for general eye health. Inability to perform activities in daily life affects quality of life regardless of whether it is a young person or a senior citizen.
Low vision aids are generally non-prescriptive vision aids that help seniors handle daily life. Generally, when we speak of low vision, we refer to uncorrectable vision loss as opposed to vision that can be restored. As we age, the vision generally grows weaker and the usage of a vision aid is necessary. Numerous types are on the market that can be purchased through local pharmacies or other retail outlets, as well as online. Since shopping online is a popular way to purchase low vision aids, it is easy for seniors to purchase them at a cost that is probably less than what they can find at the local stores. Many seniors will have an assortment of low vision devices to help them maintain their everyday routines.
Everyone’s vision needs are different, so choose the ones that are most suited to you. Just because it is more expensive or new on the market does not necessarily mean it is the best for you. If your ophthalmologist or optometrist suggests a product that is more expensive than you can afford, do not hesitate to check around before deciding on a particular product. Expensive aids, especially, should be tried out before you purchase them, and you should have a good idea of what it is supposed to do and understand what it will not do. Often, seniors will buy the first thing their doctor tells them will make a marked difference, but check each one out for yourself.
What Are Low Vision Aids?
You will know when it is time for low vision aids. If traditional glasses no longer help you see better and surgery is not an option, it will be time to consider products such as these. Your need for them will depend on many factors: light and glare needs, how much vision you have lost, the kind of loss, etc. A comprehensive eye examination will help answer many of these questions. While Medicare, in many cases, will cover the bulk of the evaluation costs, it will not always cover the devices, which makes it all the more important for you to shop carefully.
Low vision aids my help even if you are considered legally blind by your eye care specialist. That is why it is important to have a medical examination to make that determination. If that is the case, you may be eligible for some type of disability assistance and receive help with the cost of the more expensive low vision aids.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Who Needs Low Vision Aids?
Not only can low vision aids make a difference in people’s vision, they also make a difference in how people interact with others. Periodic re-evaluation is important to make sure you are modifying your aids as your vision correspondingly changes. As time passes, you may find that you cannot see print close-up as well as you once did, or you cannot see that street sign until you are directly under it. Whether you require near or far vision aids, there are devices that can help you accomplish your goal of getting the most out of the vision you do have.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Different Types of Low Vision Aids
Many types of low vision aids are available, such as readers and magnifying glasses. Portable or desk-top low vision electronic magnifiers greatly improve your ability to see. These products assist people with different types of visual difficulties, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Different models, with varying pricing structures, are available online and in stores. Macular degeneration glasses are wonderful for watching television. They double the size of the image on the screen so you can recognize facial features for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Bioptic Telescopes, attached to the top of your eyeglasses, make it easier to change from regular to enlarged vision.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Low Vision Aids in Your Daily Life
We depend on various devices to help us with every area of our lives. The same is true with the devices to assist us with low vision. Often, older adults want to give the impression they can still function at the same capacity they always have. It is not shameful to have a vision problem any more than it is to have a hearing problem. The problem lies in refusing to seek the many forms of help that are available. An optometrist can suggest appropriate low vision aids. Research available technology to simplify your daily life, buy large-print books, and keep your home well lit.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Average Cost of Low Vision Aids
Low vision aids vary in cost to anywhere from $10.00 for a magnifying glass up to $3,500.00 for a macular degeneration enhanced vision device. The one that is best for you can be determined by a trained professional who can determine what degree of visual aid you need. The goal is to regain visual independence, so you will want to ascertain what product will do the best job. Consider your daily activities. You may be perfectly fine with a low-cost magnifier, but be careful not to cheat yourself out of the best solution to your problem if a better solution may be costlier.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Low Vision Products for Seniors
Products made especially for seniors with low vision include a lighted full-page magnifier that illuminates an entire page of print and a full-page desk magnifier. Its large lens and triple magnification make it ideal for most activities that require close-up, and it is hands-free. A hand-held magnifier may be one of the least expensive devices; its compactness makes it easy to store and carry. Iglasses are mounted on the head, making it quite efficient if you are walking or traveling because they have ultrasonic sensors that alert you when something is in your path. The array of products available for seniors with low vision gives you choices that, heretofore, were not available.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Where to Buy Low Vision Aids
Shopping for low vision aids is as convenient as your local retail store or your computer. Online sources include eBay, FirstStreetOnline.com, Lens.com and Amazon.com. For offline sources, try Office Depot, Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, etc. Finding these aids is not as difficult as determining which ones are right for you. The Low Vision Store online at https://www.thelowvisionstore.net is a prime source of a variety of products which you can view all in one place. Some of the more expensive devices may be purchased “used” online through the companies or through other sources that advertise different items for sale, such as Craigslist or a neighborhood newsletter. Catalog companies also sell aids, such as hand-held telescopes and magnifiers.
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