Issue 19.11
When someone is told that they have macular degeneration (AMD), it can seem devastating. It can affect the ability to read, to see faces, and do everyday tasks. Some people are so anxious to be able to see well again they are willing to do or pay almost anything to get their vision back to the level they used to have, especially to do things like driving or reading.
There are indeed very helpful low vision devices like strong illuminated magnifiers, reading glasses, and electronic magnifiers that will assist with reading. There are also comparatively inexpensive telescopic glasses that may help significantly with seeing faces, TV, or scenery. An evaluation by a certified low vision specialist can help you find the correct strength of devices, and to be fitted with the most beneficial items to assist you with these and other tasks. Generally, these devices are not very expensive, and are very helpful.
However, caution should be exercised about claims from some that may advertise special glasses or “miracle solutions” that boast they can help you be able to drive again or to expand your field of view. These types of glasses are generally very expensive, and may carry additional fitting and training costs. Importantly, Utah does not allow persons to drive with these expensive telescopic glasses. They are also very difficult to use. One study found that only 14% of people who purchase them continue to use them, largely because they have such a small field of view, are difficulty to find where to look through the lenses, and are dark.
The concept for these glasses, as well as the ones that claim to re-position the image from the area of poor central vision to the remaining better part of the retina, is not new. Advertising by some make them sound like novel new ideas, but both have been around since the 1970’s.
Also, the expensive glasses advertised to expand your field of view generally provides no wider field of vision than you can attain by simply scanning slightly from side to side. A low vision specialist can give you tips and training to help you view items with your peripheral vision, without the expensive glasses advertised in some senior publications.
To schedule a low vision evaluation, and to get help with reasonably priced low vision devices that really will help, contact Richens Eye Center at 435-652-4040. There is help, there is hope and it does not need to be extremely expensive.