Low Vision Therapy
Low vision therapy can include the following:
• Helping patients understand
their vision loss and express feelings about it
• Training compensatory
strategies to utilize remaining vision as efficiently as
possible
• Teaching methods to reduce
glare and improving lighting
• Demonstrating how to maximize
contrast
• Training to effectively use
adaptive equipment such as
magnifiers and CCTV’s
• Specialized magnifiers and
electronic devices for
magnification
• Computer programs and apps
for electronic devices
• Techniques to improve the
ability to complete everyday
tasks
• Fall prevention training
• Strategies for coping with
chronic vision impairment
What is Low Vision Therapy?
Low Vision, also referred to as “hard of seeing”, is a term typically applied to a visual acuity of 20/70 or worse. According to the National Eye Institute, low vision affects 3.3 million Americans over age 40. There will be 5.5 million visually impaired people by year 2020.
Vision is a complicated process requiring the successful coordination of a number of processes between the human eye and brain.
The four most common causes of low vision are:
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Macular degeneration comes on quietly, without pain. It affects 18% of adults over age 65 and 30% of adults over age 75, and it is the is the leading cause of adult vision loss in North America, Europe and Australia.
Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the retina. Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor. Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors.
Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. It typically occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This extra fluid increases the pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60.
Cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging and are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Low Vision Therapy at Revive Rehab
Revive Rehab offers comprehensive low vision therapy to help people learn how to cope
with their vision impairment. This typically involves a low vision therapist working with
the patient to retrain the eyes to read, write or do tasks at home differently. There are also low-vision aids and equipment to help patients improve their quality of life and live more independently.
