Low Vision Therapy in Northfield, MN

Maximizing Your Remaining Eye Sight

Not all vision problems result in complete loss of sight. Some conditions leave you with partial vision, and at River Valley Eye Professionals, we’re here to help you make the most of it. With the right care and tools, you can maintain your independence and enjoy a high quality of life.

What Does It Mean?

Understanding Low Vision

Having low vision means you have a vision impairment that can’t be fully corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It’s like trying to see through a foggy window—while you can still see shapes and colors, the details are blurred, making daily tasks challenging. Low vision can affect your ability to read, recognize faces, drive, and perform other activities.

The Types of Low Vision

How it Affects Your Sight

There are different types of low vision, each with their own distinct characteristics:

  1. Central Vision Loss: This type affects the center of your field of vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, and perform tasks that require detailed vision.
  2. Peripheral Vision Loss: This type affects your side vision, making it hard to see things to the side or above and below.
  3. Night Blindness: Difficulty seeing in low light conditions, like a dimly lit room or at night.
  4. Blurred Vision: General loss of sharpness and clarity, similar to looking through a smeared lens.
  5. Hazy Vision: Sensation of glare or a film over your vision, like looking through frosted glass.

Are You at Risk?

Conditions That Cause Low Vision

Various conditions can lead to low vision. Some common causes include:

  1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
  2. Glaucoma: Damages the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss.
  3. Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina because of diabetes, causing blurred and patchy vision.
  4. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred and hazy vision.
  5. Retinitis Pigmentosa: A group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration and peripheral vision loss.

Low Vision Devices

Don’t Lose Hope, We Can Help!

Fortunately, there are numerous low vision devices to help you make the most of your remaining sight.

  • Bifocals: These glasses provide stronger magnification for reading and close-up tasks.
  • Handheld Magnifiers: Portable and easy to use, these magnifiers help you read small print and see details up close.
  • Stand Magnifiers: Useful for tasks that require both hands, such as writing or crafting.
  • Electronic Magnifiers (CCTV Systems): These devices use a camera to project magnified images onto a screen, allowing for adjustable magnification and contrast settings.
  • Telescopic Glasses: These glasses help with distance vision, such as watching TV or recognizing faces from afar.
  • Lighting and Contrast Tools: Proper lighting and contrast enhancements can make a significant difference in visibility.

Your FAQs Answered

How do I know if I have low vision?
If you experience difficulty with daily tasks, even with the use of corrective lenses, or if you have trouble seeing in low light, reading small print, or distinguishing faces, you might have low vision. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if low vision is present.

Can children have low vision?
Yes, children can have low vision due to congenital conditions, eye injuries, or diseases like retinopathy of prematurity. Early detection and intervention can help children with low vision develop the skills they need for education and daily life.

What should I do if I think I have low vision?
If you suspect you have low vision, schedule an appointment with us. We can conduct a comprehensive eye exam, assess the extent of your vision loss, and recommend appropriate low vision aids and rehabilitation services.

Is low vision the same as being legally blind?
Low vision and legal blindness are related but not the same. Legal blindness is a specific legal definition often used to determine eligibility for certain services and benefits. It refers to a level of vision loss where visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in the better eye with correction or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.

Visit Us at River Valley Eye Professionals

Here For You Every Step of The Way

Meet Our Trusted Eye Doctors

We understand that eye care is personal and can sometimes feel intimidating. Our eye doctors take the time to answer your questions, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout your visit. We provide precise diagnoses and effective treatments, always explaining each step in clear, simple terms. Whether you’re here for a routine eye exam or a more specialized treatment, you can trust that our team will take care of you to the outmost of their ability.

Dr. Miliner | Dr. Heilman | Dr. Bosworth (Amunrud)