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The following article addresses the following types of low vision deficits: blurred vision, reduced contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, and the problems of “night-blindness”.
In many cases symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness and reduced color contrast are caused by degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. However due to the complexity of the visual system there are many other potential causes for these symptoms, which is why we always recommend a comprehensive eye exam to assess the cause of those symptoms. When scheduling the eye exam, make sure to discuss the symptoms and when they occur with your optometrist.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms we recommend visiting a low vision optometrist who not only has the capabilities to detect the condition but also to implement appropriate interventions to maximize remaining eyesight and enable an active life. Interventions include the use of specialty devices and rehabilitation therapy.
All of these types of low vision deficits may be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, refraction errors of the eye, or traumatic injury.
Due to the complexity of the visual system, there are a wide range of conditions that may cause these symptoms including:
Less severe causes:
How It Can Impact You: It isn’t always easy to detect, and may occur so gradually that the person doesn’t realize the deficiency. This is why routine testing is critical to ensure early detection and intervention before the condition worsens. Blurry eyesight prevents people from being able to focus on objects, regardless of distance.
It is imperative that people with night-blindness utilize full spectrum lighting and lighting with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) throughout their home to ensure a safe environment. Lighting should be strategically placed to maximize illumination. Use timers to ensure that the lighting comes on at the same time everyday.
During the exam, a low level optometrist will inquire about the patient's medical history, the nature of the visual difficulties, and how it impacts daily life. There are many tests for visual acuity and visual field to assist in a diagnosis. A thorough interview and physical exam allows the doctor to formulate a vision care plan for living with this condition.
Low vision is irreversible. Routine eye exams are important for detecting and monitoring complications so that early interventions can be implemented. Low vision optometrists help patients maximize remaining eyesight by incorporating visual aids (both optical and non-optical), assistive technologies, and rehabilitation therapy.
Proper use of digital devices: By properly using settings on hardware devices, people can benefit from the appropriate level of brightness, contrast, lighting, and magnification that matches their needs.
Difficulty with contrast, glare and light sensitivity, and night blindness can cause major distress and difficulties to a patients life. Oftentime, standard interventions such as glasses and contact lenses aren't effective. Thanks to the many available interventions today to deal with visual deficits, people are engaging in daily activities and living enjoyable lives.
If you are experiencing symptoms of blurry vision, night blindness, glare, or contrast sensitivity, schedule an exam with our low vision optometrist to find out more about the many available options for improved living.
In many cases symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness and reduced color contrast are caused by degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. However due to the complexity of the visual system there are many other potential causes for these symptoms, which is why we always recommend a low vision eye exam to assess the cause of those symptoms. When scheduling the eye exam, make sure to discuss the symptoms and when they occur with our low vision optometrist. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
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