When standard eyeglasses cannot provide you with sufficient vision, and medical treatment, such as surgery, is not a suitable option for you – it’s time to consult with our doctors about the most helpful low vision aids!
Low vision aids and devices come in a wide range of designs and powers. From simple handheld magnifying lenses to advanced electronic devices, our recommendations are personalized to meet your lifestyle needs and diverse visual requirements.
Optimal eye care for low vision begins with a thorough eye examination by an eye doctor or low vision expert.
This eye exam is not the same as routine vision testing or an eye health exam; the results will help our doctors match you with the ideal low vision Aids available in our New York office.
Tools to Enhance Your Sight.
Most devices to assist with low vision are categorized as either optical, electronic or non-optical. Each type of tool is geared towards a different visual task. Therefore, patients generally require a few different low vision aids in order to maximize their sight under a range of circumstances.
CCTV (closed-circuit television)
A TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but monitored, mostly for surveillance and security purposes. It relies on strategic placement of cameras, and observation of the camera’s input on monitors somewhere.
Handheld Magnifiers
These gadgets typically magnify between 1.5 – 20 times. They come in foldable types that tuck into your pocket or purse easily, and some feature battery-powered lights.
Spectacle-mounted Magnifiers
Mounted on eyeglass frames, these magnifiers are available as telescopes for distance vision or microscopes for close-up tasks. They can be used with one or two eyes and protrude from your glasses. A Low Vision Expert, such as Dr. Lucy Yen will evaluate your vision and prescribe this specialized eyewear.
Stand Magnifiers
Mounted on stands, they rest flat above the page you are viewing. The lens magnifies between 2-20 times, and you can move them across the text to see each individual line. Some types come with illumination, either electrical or battery operated. If your hands shake or lack strength, stand magnifiers are very useful.
Low Vision Glasses: Telescopes, Escoop, Readers and More
Low Vision glasses can help you regain your independence and enjoy life. Whether you are having trouble driving, reading, seeing faces or walking safely, we have the solution.
Readers With Anti Glare Coating
Reading glasses with enhanced UV light protection reduces the glare which can improve the ability to see clearly. Come with enhanced blue light protection, ideal for protecting your eyes while on the computer.
Computer Software
The computer offers the ability to learn about the world, stay in contact with loved ones, and work. Low vision people have trouble with using a computer due to resolution, contrast, size, and more. With the latest software designed for the visually impaired, computer use is attainable.
Miniature Telescopes/Binoculars
These devices help you see things far in the distance. They magnify your view 2.5-10 times, depending upon the size of the telescope.
Both eyes are used to see far into the distance; many lens powers and sizes of binoculars are available in our San Jose optometry clinic.
Video Magnifiers
Known as CCTV, video magnifiers use a stand-mounted camera to enlarge and project objects onto a screen. The power of magnification varies, and there are color or black-and-white types. Some models can be used efficiently with a home computer. [Image via thoughtco.]
OrCam
A compact device with insightful functionality. Hear any text, appearing on any surface. Recognize the faces of people in your life. Identify supermarket products and money notes. For people who are blind, visually impaired, or have dyslexia, aphasia or other conditions. OrCam MyEye gives independence.
Scanners with Sound
These reading machines convert printed material into spoken words. They read the page aloud for you. OCR (optical character recognition) can turn your personal computer into this type of low vision device. [Image via How OCR Works]
Absorptive Lenses
These eyeglass lenses are worn over prescription glasses. They reduce glare, eliminate harmful UV rays, heighten visual contrast and control the transition between light and dark environments. By regulating the quantity of light transmitted to your eye, absorptive lenses enhance visual comfort and safety. [Image via AnySunglasses.com]
Adaptive Low Vision Devices
The selection of helpful visual aids is vast! To name a few – there are large print materials, devices to create high contrast, “talking” features that read information to the person with visual impairment, writing guides, large print phones, etc… We are proud to supply an inventive collection of advanced low vision aids and customized options in our San Jose office.
MaxTv Glasses
See the television and faces again with these simple to use tv magnifier glasses. With 2.1X magnification and adjustable lenses for each eye, you no longer need to buy a large screen television to enjoy your favorite shows.
MaxDetail Glasses
See your playing cards again, see to paint, and sheet music! These 2x magnification glasses are ideal for close vision and are adjustable for each eye.
iPad
Special software on the iPad can help blind and low-vision users by using an iPad to have the text read out loud. We can help you learn more about this.