ROCHESTER, Minn., Jul 8, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- People with poor eyesight
caused by diseases often can be helped with various vision aids, a U.S.
newsletter says.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource say such low vision isn't just
the normal trouble people have reading small print as they get older. It's
limited vision caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic
retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa or other eye diseases.
A low vision specialist can help patients find the vision aids that will best
serve them, the Mayo newsletter says
Some of the vision aids mentioned in the newsletter include:
-- Magnifying eyeglasses that are stronger than prescription eyeglasses. The
lens may be included with the eyeglasses or attached to a headband for close-up
tasks such as threading a needle.
-- Miniature telescopes, hand-held or mounted on eyeglasses, that help see at a
distance to see a television across the room.
-- Video magnifiers use a camera and a video screen to enlarge printed material,
pictures or small objects. Some are portable, and some can be used with a
computer or monitor.
-- "Talking" alarm clocks, watches, timers, thermometers, scales, even
prescription bottles and blood sugar meters that "speak" out readings.
-- Computer software programs can magnify text on a computer screen. Speech
systems enable computers to read aloud what's on the screen. Scanning devices
allow the reading of printed text.
-- Closed-circuit TV systems project enlarged images onto a video screen to help
with reading books, magazines and other materials.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International