subject: Aids For Distance Vision [print this page] One of the most vulnerable organs of our body, eyes is also the one used the most. Continuous usage, coupled with unhealthy practices and diets have increased the chances of eye problems. The increase in the number of people suffering from the vision related disorders is alarming and unfortunate. More number of children is being treated with eye problems while the incidence of presbyopia in the adults has increased too.
Light and glare sensitivity is a common problem for visually impaired people, especially among both pre- and post-op cataract patients and those with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Special glare-reducing and blue-blocking lenses (so-called because they absorb the blue portion of the visible light spectrum) can be worn for more comfort outside, whether it's cloudy or sunny. They come in light and dark gray, yellow, orange and various shades of amber.
Some are photochromic, so they lighten or darken according to the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. Lens colors, light transmission percentages and blue light absorption capabilities are all variables that your eye care practitioner or low vision specialist will take into account when helping you decide which option is best for you. Glare-reducing and blue-blocking lenses come in prescription sunglasses, nonprescription clip-ons for your regular eyeglasses and side-shielding "fit-over" styles that can be worn either alone or over your glasses.
For getting out and about, many partially sighted folks need assistance with their distance vision. Choices include handheld monocular telescopes (for use with one eye) and binoculars (for both eyes), as well as eyeglass-mounted telescopes. You may need a prescription for these, as well as special training to use them effectively. A low vision specialist can help you with this.
New head-mounted electronic magnifying glasses provide automatic focusing, so whether you need near, intermediate or distance vision, they can help you handle most situations more easily than handheld telescopes. These glasses operate with a portable control unit and a rechargeable battery, so you can use them in stores, libraries or on the street. They provide good depth perception, which is missing from most other types of low vision magnifiers.
The recent growth of the online glasses stores has been a boon to the users. The prices of the designer glasses have been slashed down and now you can purchase more than one pair at a budget which could have got you a single designer frame few years back.
