Low Vision Treatment for Macular Degeneration

 The Latest Low Vision Treatment Options

for Macular Degeneration and Other Low Vision Conditions

Spectacle Miniature Telescopes

Spectacle Miniature Telescopes (SMTs) are mini-telescopes built into glasses.  SMTs allow the patient’s prescription to be incorporated inside telescope as well as into the eyeglass lens.   The telescopes can be prescribed for one or both eyes depending the level of vision and the patient’s goals. 

 

 

 

Reading SMTs are beneficial for reading, seeing the computer, cards, and crafts.

Full-diameter SMTs are used for reading, television and seeing faces.

Bioptic SMTs are best used for driving, walking, theater, museums, and scenery. 

 

Implantable Miniature Telescopes

Implantable Miniature Telescopes (IMTs) are micro-telescope inserted into one eye providing a magnified central image to improve vision in patients with advanced macular degeneration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Kinkade is part of the first doctor team to bring the IMT to Connecticut.

Candidates for the IMT have no other medical treatment options.  Up to now, these patients have been told by their doctors “sorry there is nothing we can do for you”.

The IMT is not a cure for macular degeneration, but rather a rehabilitation tool used to enhance remaining vision. 

Dr. Kinkade has have been fitting Spectacle Mounted Microscopes, SMTs, for over 20 years to help patients see better.  For certain patients, the IMT may offer a better rehabilitation option.

The IMT replaces a developing cataract in the eye and is about an 1/8^th of an inch in length.  It fits behind and through the pupil.

The IMT is a technological wonder and the surgery is 21^st century medicine.  It is the closest we have to a bionic eye because is replaces some of the lost precision vision, but it is the therapy after surgery that we see the real gain in useful vision.

Prismatics

Prismatic eyeglasses use prism to enhance reading vision.  They are useful for patients whose two eyes are approximately equal in vision and require relatively lower magnification.  They are often beneficial for reading the newspaper and for writing checks.

E-Scoops

The E-Scoop glasses use a special combination of prism, lens thickness and curvatures, custom yellow tint and anti-reflective coatings.   Vision is enhanced and shifted to a different part of the macula allowing the patient to see better.  They help seeing clearer in the distance and are especially helpful for driving.
 

 

                      

                                                                                                                               

Electronic Magnification Reading Systems

Electronic Magnifiers and Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) are also known as Video Magnifiers. Reading ability can be restored for those with macular degeneration and low vision. These low vision aids use a variable power magnifying camera (low to very high) and a video monitor of different sizes.

 

They offer a variety of contrast options, such as reverse (white letters on a black background) or black letters on a yellow background. Altering the contrast can often make reading easier and less tiring. The color feature allows photographs of family and friends to be enjoyed.

 

Desktop Video Magnifiers
These units have large LCD flat screen monitors ranging from 19” to 24”. They provide the highest levels of electronic magnification with the greatest field of view. Under the camera at the base is a moveable tray for easier viewing and writing.

These units are strongly recommended for reading longer materials, such as newspapers or books. They are often the best for writing, filling out checks and forms, viewing photographs, or doing handiwork.


Portable Video Magnifiers
While not providing as much magnification as a desktop unit, they are easily transportable since the screen is 3.5” to 5” in size. They also have several contrast options and three or four levels of magnification.

They are used for activities such as seeing photographs, reading grocery store labels, menus, prescription bottles, or scanning mail. 

A special feature is their ability to temporarily capture and freeze an image being seen. This is helpful for looking at objects on a shelf over head or at dials at the back of a stove.

 

 

(800) 756-0766

rkinkade@optonline.net

www.LowVisionEyeglasses.com

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