Prisms for Low Vision

Prisms are a popular, specialized device for low vision patients that helps those with visual field defects and other vision problems too great for regular corrective lenses to fix.

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What Do Prisms For Low Vision Do?

Many people who suffer from low vision experience a decrease in their peripheral vision and visual field. In conditions such as scotoma, patients can develop non-seeing areas in their visual field which make many tasks more difficult. Prism lenses can also help patients who have central vision loss, double vision, and symptoms associated with that such as headaches and balance issues.

While for most low vision patients the vision loss cannot be reversed, there are devices, such as prisms, designed to help improve their vision and allow them to regain some measure of their independence.

Prisms also help reduce the eye strain that can be caused by using close vision with glasses for extended periods of time. For patients who need high levels of magnification, prisms allow them to keep working for extended periods in comfort.

These prisms, also known as fresnel prisms, are made of optical polyvinyl chloride, which increases the chromatic dispersion and produces a loss of contrast. These effects have been found to be helpful for patients with blurry and diplopic vision with distance viewing.

For visual field issues, the prisms can focus the image into a part of the retina unaffected by vision loss. Additionally, if the eyes have different visual capabilities, prism lenses can help equalize things and help avoid eye strain.

Press-on Prism Lenses

These are very thin lenses designed to fit onto ophthalmic lenses to provide additional lens power without making the lenses overly thick (which is an issue with standard high power prism lenses.) This makes the glasses both more comfortable to wear, and better looking. It will be less obvious that the wearer requires significant vision assistance.

Built-in Prism Glasses

Another option are custom made prism glasses. These are great for patients with a regular need of prism visual assistance, though they are thicker, and have a different look from regular glasses.

Low Vision Readers

Low vision readers are prism lenses specifically designed to help patients with central scotomas have an easier time reading. Through significant magnification, they reduce the impact of the scotoma and make reading less of a struggle. Low vision readers can be both handheld and hands-free.

Where Can I Get Prisms for Low Vision?

Prism lenses are prescription products, so you will need to see a low vision optometrist for a low vision eye exam, so they can determine what type and strength of prisms will be best for you to maximize your vision to suit your needs. The wrong prisms can lead to discomfort and eye strain, so properly prescribed prism lenses are vital.

Summary

Prism lenses can be extremely helpful for patients with vision loss stemming from low vision conditions like scotoma. As prescription products, it is important to see a low vision doctor to receive a low vision exam and prescription. If you are suffering from low vision and think prism lenses could help you, you can contact Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga at (423) 710 3965 to schedule an appointment for an eye exam and consultation.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.
Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.