Evaluations

The beginning point for every patient is an individualized, preventative, comprehensive low vision evaluation. If age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is suspected, additional testing may be performed.

Visual field testing is a sophisticated central visual field test that can reveal loss of central vision sensitivity even when overall visual acuity hasn’t been significantly affected.

Macular Degeneration Vision Loss Treatment

As of now, there’s no cure for dry macular degeneration, though many clinical trials are in progress. If your condition is diagnosed early, you can take steps to help slow its progression, such as taking vitamin supplements, eating healthfully, and not smoking.

Low vision rehabilitation — Age-related macular degeneration typically doesn’t affect your peripheral (side) vision and usually doesn’t cause total blindness. But it can reduce or eliminate your central vision, which is necessary for driving, reading, and recognizing faces. Working with a low vision rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist, your eye doctor, and others trained in low vision care can help you adapt to your changing vision.

Visual Aids — Thanks to advances in technology, a number of options are available to help improve your functional vision.

Nutrients — A study (AREDS 2) showed the effectiveness of several nutrients, especially the pigments Zeaxanthin and Lutein. These nutrients are present in food and can increase macular pigment when consumed in large enough quantities, though the fastest way to increase macular pigment is typically through over-the-counter eye vitamins available at your local drug store or online.

Glasses recommended for macular degeneration include:

• Bioptic Glasses
• FDTS Glasses
• Clear Image Microscopic Glasses
• E-Scoop Glasses

Hemianopsia Vision Loss Treatment

Treatment for hemianopsia focuses on expanding the field of vision. Visual field expansion is achieved with eyeglasses containing high-powered prism lenses and/or vision rehabilitation programs such as NovaVision (novavision.com).

NovaVision is a vision rehabilitation system that takes advantage of the brain’s ability to “rewire” itself, known as neural plasticity. Whether rehabilitation is provided through prism glasses or a program like NovaVision, a low vision evaluation will help determine the right answers for your hemianopsia vision loss.

Eyeglasses with high-powered prisms are prescribed and can even be tried before purchase to see if they work for you. The prism lenses appear nearly normal and can be placed into any standard eyeglass frame. In many cases, the field of vision can be expanded enough to allow for driving again and safer mobility.

Glasses recommended for hemianopsia include:

• Field Expanding Glasses

Glaucoma Vision Loss Treatment

Treatment of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, requires lowering eye pressure by increasing the drainage of aqueous humor fluid or decreasing its production. Medications can accomplish both of these goals, while surgery and laser treatments are aimed at improving the eye’s aqueous drainage.

If not diagnosed early, open-angle glaucoma can significantly damage vision and even cause blindness, which is why regular eye doctor visits for glaucoma testing are so important. Once diagnosed, glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops that reduce eye pressure. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition requiring continual follow-up with your eye doctor.

Glasses recommended for glaucoma include:

• Bioptic Glasses
• FDTS Glasses
• Clear Image Microscopic Glasses
• E-Scoop Glasses

Diabetic Vision Loss Treatment

Vision loss caused by diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on your life activities — it just means learning new ways to do them. Your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your retinopathy. Dr. Huggett and his team will work with you to maximize your remaining vision through a thorough evaluation.

In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor will typically monitor how your eyes are doing, sometimes requiring a comprehensive dilated eye exam as often as every 2 to 4 months.

In later stages, it’s important to begin treatment right away, especially if you notice changes in your vision. While treatment won’t undo existing damage, it can help stop your vision from getting worse. It’s also essential to manage your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Controlling Blood Sugar — Managing your blood sugar and blood pressure can help stop vision loss. Carefully follow the diet recommended by your nutritionist and take medication as prescribed by your diabetes doctor.

Injections — Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs can slow down or even reverse diabetic retinopathy. Corticosteroid medications can also help.

Laser Treatment — To reduce swelling in the retina, eye doctors can use lasers to shrink blood vessels and stop leaking.

Eye Surgery — If your retina is bleeding significantly or you have extensive scarring, your eye doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy.

Glasses recommended for diabetic retinopathy include:

• Bioptic Glasses
• FDTS Glasses
• Clear Image Microscopic Glasses
• E-Scoop Glasses

Building Your Personalized Treatment Plan

No matter which condition is affecting your vision, treatment starts with a comprehensive low vision evaluation and often continues with ongoing low vision rehabilitation therapy. Learn more about our full lineup of low vision glasses, review the eye diseases we treat most often, or see why we consider ongoing rehabilitation the standard of care. If you’re new to our practice, our New Patient Center covers what to expect at your first visit.