Low Vision

Expert Low Vision Care in Southern Illinois

Individuals diagnosed with eye diseases are often all too familiar with hearing these words from an eye doctor: “There’s nothing more I can do.” Patients begin to gradually accept they won’t be able to do the things they love and enjoy like they used to.

But that doesn’t have to be the case! Dr. Marianne McDaniel is a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), a network of optometrists trained in low vision care, and offers a variety of aids designed to help patients throughout Southern Illinois and beyond regain their independence. There is life after vision loss—and it starts with a low vision evaluation at Mascoutah Eye Care.
 

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is visual impairment that cannot be corrected using conventional glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. While there are many factors that can contribute to low vision, some of the most common causes include:

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Retinitis pigmentosa

• Stargardt disease

• Albinism

• Strokes

Because low vision patients have a reduced visual acuity or narrower visual field, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks, ultimately impacting one’s quality of life.

Comprehensive Eye Exam Vs. Low Vision Evaluation

A comprehensive eye exam is an assessment of your visual acuity and overall eye health. A low vision evaluation at our office in Mascoutah is more specialized and involves exploring what tools and devices will allow you the freedom to continue engaging in everyday activities.

We start by getting to know you better and understanding your biggest vision-related challenges, whether that’s reading the mail, seeing road signs, watching TV, or something else. Dr. McDaniel will then determine your level of vision and demonstrate aids to help you reach your goals. You’ll test out various glasses, lens tints, and lighting setups the day you’re here, so you’ll know exactly which options benefit you.

Types of Low Vision Aids

Low vision aids don’t eliminate vision loss but rather maximize the vision a patient still has. This is achieved by magnifying detail, enhancing contrast, or expanding an individual’s field of view.

Glasses and devices come in a range of designs and powers, so the right solution for you depends on your unique condition and lifestyle. Examples of low vision tools that may be demonstrated during a consultation are:

• Bioptic Telescopes: Glasses with small telescopes in the upper portion of the lenses for driving, walking, and seeing scenery.

• Full-Diameter Telescopes: Glasses with small telescopes mounted directly in front of the eyes, primarily used for watching TV and recognizing faces.

• Reading Telescopes: Glasses with small telescopes in the lower portion of the lenses for performing near tasks at a comfortable distance.

• Prismatic Reading Glasses: Glasses prescribed with additional magnification when standard bifocal and reading glasses are no longer working.

• E-Scoop Glasses: Glasses that enhance magnification, clarity, and contrast for people in the early stages of vision loss.

• Side Vision Awareness Glasses: Glasses designed to increase a person’s viewing field after they’ve lost peripheral vision.

• Electronic Magnifiers: Stationary or portable devices with adjustable magnification and color contrast settings, providing bright, clear images without edge distortion.

Living with Low Vision Doesn’t Have to Be Limiting

Get back to doing more of what matters to you when you schedule a low vision evaluation at Mascoutah Eye Care. We’re passionate about making what others have deemed impossible possible and treat every patient who enters our office the same way we’d treat our own family—with respect, personalized care, and a desire to improve their life for the better. Call (618) 566-8899 to learn more about how we can help, or fill out our online contact form.