A low vision eye examination is a specialized procedure carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist trained in this field.
The doctor carrying out the examination will ask for a complete personal and family general health history as well as an eye health history. He also will ask about and discuss the patient’s functional problems, such as reading, working in the kitchen, travel vision, glare difficulties, the workplace environment, school requirements, watching television, and hobbies and interests.
Preliminary tests undertaken can include the assessment of ocular functions, such as color vision and contrast sensitivity. The patient’s visual acuity will be measured using special low vision test charts, which include a wider range of letters and numbers to accurately determine the level of impairment. Visual fields may be evaluated and a specialized refraction has to be carried out and each eye thoroughly examined.
If the patient’s visual acuity has decreased, the practitioner may test with telescopic systems that magnify distance vision. These may be spectacle mounted or handheld. Various reading aids, such as strong reading eyewear, magnifiers, electronic magnifiers and even electronic reading machines may be tested.
The examination is usually two to three times longer than the standard eye examination and the doctor will counsel you on how your condition will affect your vision and what can be done to enhance and protect it.
