Sometimes you need to learn a little more to feel comfortable making a decision. We’ve thought of that! Here are some frequently asked questions (and their answers!) about various topics and conditions.
Sometimes you need to learn a little more to feel comfortable making a decision. We’ve thought of that! Here are some frequently asked questions (and their answers!) about various topics and conditions.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision or reduced vision is blurred or missing vision that is typically due to a medical condition. Glasses, contact lenses, surgery and medications, while helpful in improving vision may not provide the vision you need for driving, reading and other activities.
What causes Low Vision?
Some conditions that can cause low vision include Age Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetes, Cataracts, Albinism, and Retinitis Pigmentosa. While these diseases are the most common forms of low vision, many other eye and systemic diseases exist that can reduce your vision.
How can a visit with a low vision doctor help me?
Doctors who practice low vision offer a variety of solutions for individual problems. These individual solutions can include hand held and electronic magnification devices, telescopes, lens filters and large print books among other tools. Doctors can also provide resources about therapy, perform testing to verify licensure for patients with low vision, and coordinate care with other practitioners to provide patients with as much independence as possible.
What happens at a low vision appointment?
A low vision appointment is not like other eye appointments. Your doctor and technician will perform testing to get the best sense of what your vision is like and how it can be improved. Goals are asked of every patient as to what they would like to do better, or perhaps if they have lost the ability to do something, perform that task again. Goals for patients should be realistic, and your doctor will work with you to determine what can be achieved, and what cannot be.
Will I be totally dependent on others?
With the help of a low vision professional, and vision rehabilitation, patients can learn to adapt to vision changes that eye conditions may cause. Even with changes to your central vision, training can provide you with a very full, active and independent life-style.
Will I always have low vision?
Some causes of low vision can be very treatable and good vision can be restored. When caught early, conditions like wet macular degeneration and glaucoma can be stopped or slowed. However, damage already done is not reversible. Eye research is currently underway on both the prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Some diseases have demonstrated response to nutritional and supplemental intervention to slow the development of macular degeneration. Our doctors will discuss the best possible treatment regimen for your eye condition with you at your appointment.
Will treatment for my low vision be covered by insurance?
Fortunately, many aspects of vision rehabilitation are now covered by Medicare as well as some private insurance companies. However, many of the adaptive devices you might require to increase your personal freedom are not covered by most insurers and must be paid for personally. Your doctor will consult with you to determine what kind of low vision products and systems would be best for you.
I have low vision. Does this mean I will go blind?
While there are eye diseases that can cause total loss of sight, most do not. Most diseases that can cause blindness can be controlled with proper management by your doctors. Most people with low vision have a great deal of usable sight. Some people may have vision worse than 20/200, or a field of vision restricted to less than 20 degrees. While this would be considered legal blindness, with proper instruction and vision enhancement, these patients can adapt to their changes in vision.
Is my child old enough to wear contact lenses?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. Physically, the eyes can tolerate contact lenses at a very young age. In rare cases, some babies are fitted with contact lenses at birth. Similarly, in a recent study that involved fitting nearsighted children ages 8 to 11 with one-day disposable contact lenses, 90 percent had no trouble applying or removing the contacts without the assistance from their parents.* The decision of whether a child is ready to wear contact lenses is directly related to their maturity, and should be determined by the parent, child and your eye care professional.
Do you carry Custom Soft Lenses?
Yes! Custom soft lenses are typically replaced either quarterly or monthly. Custom soft lenses are an option for those with the following types of prescriptions or patients: - High myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism - Those with eye curvatures that are either rounder or flatter than what can be fit with standard contact lenses - Multifocal prescriptions that cannot be fit with a standard multifocal lens
What is the Difference Between Two-Week or Monthly Replacement Lenses?
The convenience and cost-efficiency of two-week or monthly replacement lenses make them the most common type of contact lenses on the market today. The lenses are worn for either two weeks or one month, at which time they are thrown away and a new pair is put in.
What are Daily Disposable Lenses?
Daily disposable lenses make up the fastest growing segment of the contact lens market. Daily disposable lenses offer the ultimate in convenience and hygiene as no solutions are needed and a fresh lens is used every time contact lenses are worn. Daily disposable lenses are ideal for children and busy adults, those prone to allergies, and for those who wear contact lenses on a part-time basis only. The cost of daily disposable lenses has come down over the years, making them very competitive with many of the two-week or monthly replacement modalities.
What are Toric Lenses?
Toric contact lenses are used to correct astigmatism, which arises as a result of your cornea having different curvatures in the horizontal and vertical planes. Previously, it was very difficult and time-consuming to fit those with astigmatism in soft contact lenses. Nowadays there are many toric soft contact lens options available that make the fitting process much easier and the likelihood of success much higher.
What are Extended Wear Lenses?
Newer lens materials transmit far more oxygen to the surface of your eyes than most of the older materials. The FDA has approved some brands of contact lenses in these newer lens materials to be used on an extended wear basis. Some of these lenses can be worn up to 30 nights, without the need for removal. Other lenses are approved for up to 7 days of extended wear. If you are interested in wearing extended wear lenses, be sure to discuss this with your doctor so that you are fit in the proper lens and are advised of the risks and benefits of extended wear.
What are Multifocal Lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are contact lenses with multiple prescriptions built into a single lens. They are typically used for people who have presbyopia and require different prescriptions to see things far away and up close. The fitting is typically more involved than a standard contact lens fitting due to the complexity of the lens design, but once a successful fit is obtained, multifocal designs have offered many people the opportunity to say goodbye to their bifocal or reading glasses.
What are Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses
GPs provide exceptional optics and are the ideal choice for many patients. GPs can be used for standard prescriptions, but are typically reserved for those with irregular corneas or unusual prescriptions. They are also an excellent option for multifocal contact lens wearers.
What are Hybrid Lenses?
A hybrid lens is a very unique style of lens that combines the comfort of a soft lens with the superior optics of a rigid gas permeable lens. Hybrid lenses are used for a variety of visual needs. Ask your doctor for more information if you are interested in hybrid lenses.
What are Scleral Lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable contact lenses used for a variety of hard-to-fit eyes, such as those with keratoconus, post-surgical cases, or for those with severe dry eyes. Scleral lenses are specially designed to vault over the entire corneal surface and rest of the “white” part of the eye (sclera). This way of fitting allows the lens the essentially replace an irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth surface. Scleral lenses are more complex to fit than other types of contact lenses and tend to be more costly. A successful fit can provide significant improvement in one’s quality of life.
What are Colored Lenses?
Colored lenses are available in both prescription and non-prescription options. They can be used on a full-time basis or just on days when you want to change your look. Let your doctor know if you are interested in colored lenses as this is an important factor in determining which brand your doctor will use.
What Is A Functional Vision Evaluation?
The Functional Vision Evaluation is a series of tests based on the patient’s individual needs. The doctor will first review the patient’s health and eye history with emphasis on the vision problems and symptoms, then will tailor the evaluation which includes tests on a wide range of visual skills. The evaluation takes 60-90 minutes to complete. Once the evaluation is completed, the doctor will review the results of the testing and create an individualized treatment plan. A patient Education Visit will be scheduled to present the results of the testing and the doctor’s recommended treatment plan. The purpose of the Patient Education Visit is to provide ample time to discuss the testing results and treatment plan as well as answer any questions that you may have.
Does Every Patient Require Vision Therapy?
The Functional Vision Evaluation is conducted to determine if there is a problem. It’s not uncommon for us to find that only a change in a glasses prescription is needed. But the testing is critical to get to the root cause of a child’s learning issues.
Will my insurance cover it?
The level of coverage provided in your health insurance policy determines whether the evaluation and resultant vision therapy are covered under the policy. We are happy to provide you with a preauthorization letter that you can give to your insurance company to determine your level of coverage. In the event you don’t have coverage, we have a variety of payment plans that can fit any budget.
What does the program include?
An individualized vision therapy program is critical for effective treatment for vision problems. The recommended program will combine both in office and home-based vision therapy that address a patient’s specific visual problems, delivers the most efficient results.
What does treatment look like?
Activities to build or improve visual skills. Here patients perform certain visual activities and procedures that will help correct the visual functioning of their eyes. These will be performed both in our office and at home. Newly acquired visual skills will be reinforced and made automatic through repetition and by integration with motor and cognitive skills.
In office vision therapy is used to build visual skills and keep patients on track. For best and most efficient progress, regular visits to the office are required. There are many important visual activities are done in the office with a vision therapist that cannot be done at home. Proper performance of supportive home activities is also monitored. Office visits are generally 45 minutes in length. Many patients come weekly but the frequency of the visits will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the problem.
Use of various devices include but not limited to any of the following tools:
What is the length of treatment?
The length of the treatment will vary, as will the exercises required. We will be building your visual-motor skills and endurance through the use of specialized computer and optical devices. Therapy programs can range in length from one session to 2-3 years. Most programs last between 6-9 months. In order for the therapy program to be effective, it must be directed by an expert in the field of developmental optometry. A person’s visual system is very complex, and only a doctor with the appropriate training is qualified to determine which techniques should be used for your vision problem.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Redness, swelling, styes, cysts, and flaky crusts at the eyelid margin characterize it. Symptoms include scratchy, swollen, tender, and irritated eyes. Blepharitis can be caused by various bacteria and be chronic or acute in presentation. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema are more prone to have blepharitis flare ups. Poor facial hygiene can also be a contributing factor. We will diagnose the specific type of blepharitis during an eye exam. Treatment options are abundant and include over the counter remedies and prescription eyedrops and ointments. Occasionally, minor eyelid surgery is necessary to remove cysts when topical treatments are unsuccessful. Blepharitis, in some cases, requires ongoing treatment along with eyelid hygiene to maintain eye comfort and appearance.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the internal lens of the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. As the lens becomes cloudier, vision becomes blurry and distorted. People with cataracts commonly experience difficulty in appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and coping with glare from bright lights. Common risk factors for developing cataracts are including, aging, medications, eye trauma and surgeries, smoking, and unprotected excessive sunlight exposure. Most people will have a slight cataract in one or both eyes by age 60. Most cataracts progress slowly over 5-15 years. An annual eye exam is recommended for people over age 60 to measure eyesight and evaluate overall eye health.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be either an irritation or an infection of the membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside lining of the eyelid. It has become commonly known as "pink eye" due to the significant blood vessel inflammation that can occur. Allergies and other irritants like air pollution, eye make up, and contact lenses cause irritation conjunctivitis. Infection conjunctivitis has two categories - viral and bacterial. The viral type usually accompanies a cold, fever, sore throat, or flu and is characterized by eye redness and a watery discharge. The bacterial type presents with eye redness, a mucous like discharge, and is usually caused by a staph or strep bacteria. Our doctors are trained and equipped to make the correct diagnosis of the type of conjunctivitis. In some cases, conjunctivitis can progress to more serious eye condition and vision damage so professional evaluation is important.
Diabetic Retinopathy
An ocular manifestation of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the result of weakening on the blood vessels within the lining of the inner eye called the retina and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Vision symptoms are usually rare in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, however, intermittent blur and seeing spots in the vision can be warning signs. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include, poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and being diabetic for ten years or more. Typically affecting patients who have had diabetes for ten years or more, the longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Annual eye exams are strongly recommended for all diabetic patients. At McPherson Family Eye Care, we use retinal photography methods to detect retinal blood vessel problems and to monitor changes from exam to exam. There are multiple forms of diabetic retinopathy, and our doctors can determine your particular form. With one form, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In another, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratitis sicca, is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears, or have a poor quality of tears. Risk factors for dry eye are, low humidity conditions, medications, eyelid problems, rosacea, and contact lens use. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults. Common symptoms include irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision. Vision can be subsequently blurred when flare-ups occur. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. We will examine the tear film on the eye. Special eyedrop dyes are employed to help the doctor to detect dry spots, measure tear quality and volume then make a diagnosis. Treatment of dry eye may include certain over-the-counter eyedrops, eyelid hygiene methods, prescription eyedrops including mild steroids, dissolving tear implants, and punctual plugs. If you believe you are suffering from dry eye syndrome, make an appointment with McPherson Family Eye Care today.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. Once thought to be only a high eye pressure problem, glaucoma is now known to be a more complex condition.The most common form of glaucoma, occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time. People with glaucoma rarely experience symptoms, but risk factors for include, aging, African ancestry, family history, diabetes, hypertension, and certain anatomical eye features. With glaucoma, each day, vision will become less and less clear. For this reason, routine eye examinations are important to help identify symptoms of glaucoma. We may become suspicious of glaucoma during this exam and order special tests to help in making the diagnosis of glaucoma. From there, the best treatment option will be decided.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD, is a medical condition, which usually causes central vision loss in older adults. Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life. AMD is not painful, which may allow it to go unnoticed for some time. Risk factors for macular degeneration may include smoking, obesity, Caucasian, female, and family history. Having an annual eye exam is important for adults to allow your doctor to examine the macula and to measure vision. New research has shown that certain vitamins and proper sunglass protection for ultraviolet sunlight exposure may be helpful to lessen the risk of macular degeneration. Early diagnosis and continued observation by an eye doctor is crucial to protecting eyesight in macular degeneration patients.
Retinal Tears & Detachments
Retinal tears and detachments are conditions where the inner lining of the eye called the retina is damaged. A retinal tear describes a small break in this lining whereas a retinal detachment describes a much larger separation of the retina tissues. Aging, eye trauma, eye surgery, or being quite nearsighted may cause retinal tears or detachments. Symptoms of these retinal conditions may include seeing flashes or floaters, sudden blurry vision, and seeing an area of dark vision. An eye exam is very important when these symptoms occur as permanent eyesight loss may occur if the retina problem is not treated in a timely manner.