A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR
LOW VISION PERSONS

Low vision means any vision that is adversely affecting a person's everyday life. It cannot be corrected with additional surgery or regular prescription lenses.

If your vision fits the above definition:
1) Check with your doctor to find out:

  • if he has done all that he can do,
  • if he can recommend a low vision clinic in your area, and
  • what your visual acuities are.

2) Call Mons International at
1 - 800 - 541 - 7903
for additional services in your area.

3) The best place to find the adaptive aids needed is a low vision facility.

IF YOU CANNOT GO TO A LOW VISION FACILITY:

GUIDELINES FOR LOW VISION DEVICES

Low vision persons need 4 major adaptive aids:

  1. Direct lighting
  2. Glare reducing filters
  3. Occluders (if one eye is much better than the other)
  4. Magnification

To make life a little easier, large print and talking devices also help.

1)

If your vision is 20/30 to 20/60 in your best eye with best correction the following is recommended:

a)

Proper direct lighting. A 60 watt to 75 watt bulb is enough but the light needs to be directly on the object being viewed.

 

b)

A glare reducing and contrast enhancing filter for indoors as well as outdoors.

 

c)

An occluder for the worst eye when trying to see detail.

 

d)

Magnification may not be needed with proper lighting, filter and occluder. However, if reading is still a problem then a low powered magnifier (+3.0d - +8.0d) is indicated.

 

2)

For vision of 20/70 - 20/120:
  • Same as a, b and c above:
  • Magnification is needed in the 2x-5x range.
  • A video magnifier CCTV (like the MagniSite or Merlin CCTV) would be recommended if reading a fair amount.

3)

If your vision falls between 20/120 and 20/200 in your best eye with best correction the following is recommended:

a)

 

Proper direct lighting. No more than a 75w bulb is needed but it needs to be directly on the object being viewed. If reading with a magnifier the light needs to be between the magnifier and the paper, not shining through the magnifier.

 

b)

 

A glare reducing and contrast enhancing filter for indoors as well as outdoors.

 

c)

 

An occluder for the worst eye when trying to see detail.

 

d)

 

Magnification in the 5x-10x range.

 

e)

 

An electronic reading and writing CCTV would be the easiest device with which to read. It will magnify up to 60x and contrast and brightness can be varied.

 

4)

With a visual acuity of 20/200 or less the following is recommended:
  • Refer to a, b, c, and e above.
  • magnification in the 5x-15x range.
  • Depending on how difficult it is to read, consider using talking books, talking clocks, computers, and tape recorders for recording phone numbers, and letters, as an alternative.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIABILITY

 

Mons International, Inc (“Mons”) makes no warranties beyond the description of the particular low vision device as contained herein. Mons does not warrant any such device as fit for a particular purpose for any individual or for a specific low vision need or task. All liability for product selection rests with you, the consumer. Mons highly recommends that any selection be made only after consultation with your certified therapist or eye care professional.