Low vision has changed the way you see; don’t let it change the way you live.
Visual impairment is the functional limitation of the eye or visual system that manifests itself as reduced visual acuity or contrast sensitivity, visual field loss, photophobia, diplopia, visual distortion, visual perceptual difficulties, or any combination of the above cases. These functional limitations can have their origins in congenital (genetic and developmental abnormalities and trauma during delivery …etc), hereditary (night blindness, Stargardt retinal disease… etc), or acquired (due to systemic disease, age-related changes in macula, etc). The most common causes of low vision include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, night blindness, and albinism. Low vision means a considerable reduction in a person’s visual acuity in such a way that is not correctable with the best pair of glasses or contact lenses. Also in these patients medicinal or surgical treatments are not effective in restoring normal visual acuity although these methods are effective in preventing progress of the disease. Low vision can cause disruptions in a person’s daily functions. For example, it can cause difficulties in activities such as reading a newspaper or a book, doing sports, recognizing faces of family members and friends, or watching T.V. If a person still suffers from low vision after taking the following measures, he can be referred to Noor Ophthalmology Clinic through an ophthalmologist: optometric examinations (best corrected visual acuity examination, visual field examination, etc), ophthalmologic examinations (examining cornea, the eye muscles, intraocular pressure, and retina), and receiving treatments such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, laser therapy, and various surgeries despite slowing or stabilizing the progress of the disease.
At this clinic, the optometrist evaluates the patient and chooses the best device to provide the patient with the best vision, the best visual field and the best contrast by means of optical aids (various telescopes, magnifying glasses, close-circuit cameras CCTV, etc), non-optical devices (various filters, sun glasses, ..), and living aids (talking clocks, water overflow sensors, nail clippers with magnifier, and ..). Low Vision Clinic at Noor Eye Hospital has provided low vision patients with living aids for the first time in the country. These devices help ease life for these patients and allow them to be independent and self-confident, by enabling them to do their personal and daily functions comfortably. These devices include nail clippers with magnifier, mirrors with varying magnifications, talking clocks, musical sensors or vibrating glasses to alarm water overflow, etc.
Furthermore, this clinic provides assistance on working with computer and software programs that enhances visual performance when working with the computer, toys suitable for low vision children, sites with talking and digital libraries, changes in lighting, contrast, and arrangement of home appliances for more personal comfort at home.
Success in the use of visual aids is somewhat relative. Firstly, part of the vision should be left for the individual to be able to benefit from visual aids. Secondly, the patient must have the necessary motivation for using these devices. Anyone deciding to use visual aids must be mentally flexible and be able to cope with the limitations of these devices because although these devices can enhance a person’s vision, he may be confronted with limitations of the field of vision or constraints of movement. If a person accepts these limitations, success can be achieved in increasing visual functions of the person by these devices. Fortunately, most people with low vision, due to improved eyesight, easily cope with these limitations.
Important note: Visual aids do not treat or worsen your eye diseases and will not cause your eye sight to return to normal forever, only, when you use these devices you can have acceptable vision.
Now, Low Vision Clinic at Noor Eye Hospital can improve quality of life of patients with impaired vision, and increase their life expectancy by employing capable and trained optometrists and by providing the most up-to-date electronic optical and non-optical visual aids and also living assistance devices. We thank God that we can bring happiness to you. We smile, feel lively and thank God whenever you smile as you see your grandchild, whenever you feel the passion of life as you receive your graduate degree, and whenever you are grateful to God for seeing your child read and write just like other children.
Presently, Dr Farhad Rezvan and Ms Tahereh Abdolahinia (MSc optometry) run the technical and executive department of Low Vision Clinic at Noor Eye Hospital.
You can make an appointment for Low Vision Clinic at Noor Eye Hospital every day by dialing (9821) 82400. Those patients who are referred by Noor Eye Clinic on Motahari Ave, Shahid Yosefian Ave, may contact Ms Shams for an appointment.