Equipment for Low Vision Treatment

There hasn’t always been enough focus applied to the field of low vision treatment.  Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that advancements over the past several decades have given nearly-blind men and women something closer to perfect vision. Now more than ever, affordable and powerful low vision therapy solutions abound. 

There’s now a wide variety of excellent and affordable equipment for the treatment of low vision. From microperimeters to retinal cameras to confocal microscopes, people with low vision and those who provide for them can find and implement technology that enhances not only their vision, but their lives. 

Microperimeters
 
Power. Flexibility. Affordability. A good retinal camera provides all of this and more, in one superior package. 
Custom designed to treat patients with low vision, these cameras, also known as fundus tracking microperimeters, provide both true retinal sensitivity data and a quantitative analysis of fixation location and stability. 

Features of a strong retinal camera include a biofeedback system with low-vision fixation therapy, differential mapping function, ability to locate position, shape and size of the smallest scotomas, exact exam replication for assessment of retinal sensitivity changes, and more. Some of the best versions on the market today include: 

• Ability to create customized perimetry patterns – specify stimulus intensity, location, size, color and duration
• Auto-plotting of perimetry and fixation data over a color fundus photo

Autofocus Fundus Cameras

 
A strong autofocus fundus camera blends power with affordability. Otherwise known as a retinal camera, autofocus fundus cameras provide an economic and effective solution to automated imaging. 

Features of a strong autofocus fundus camera include:
• AutoFocus, AutoShot, AutoTrackerand imaging resolution at a range of resolutions (from 12.2 to 21.1 megapixels)
• Full-frame sensor for true fundus imaging at a 1-to-1 ratio
• True 45-degree images (without cropping) for a more complete diagnostic screening
• Automatic separation for repeatable analysis in stereo

• Fully networkable NAVIS-Lite Data Management Software for efficient file storage, retrieval, sharing and image manipulation (reduces image transfer size to under 1 megapixel)
Confocal Microscopes

Market-leading and cutting-edge vision therapy technology can be found in the form of a confocal microscope. The most reliable and efficient confocal microscopes are completely auto-aligning and unaffected by corneal haze or opacities. Some models even include automatic cell-analysis software that detects the number of sides and area of each cell, as well as endothelial cell density. 

Features of a strong confocal microscope include:
• Gel-immersion exams as quick as 15 seconds
• Real-time in-vivo histology
• Full cornea/endothelium/epithelium scans

• Multiple internal fixation mires
• Automatic cell count and endothelial density measurement
• Increased reimbursable exams
• Precise location of corneal layers and structures (including flap and residual bed thickness in LASIK corneas)
 

Erick D. Smith is a health blogger living in San Diego and he likes to write about health news and information, including the usefulness of medical products such as the confocal microscope. There are plenty of treatment options if you are struggling with vision issues, so consult with your healthcare provider if you need treatment such as low vision therapy.

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