Low Vision in the Des Moines Metro Area

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What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is defined as vision loss that can’t be corrected by medical treatments, surgery, or corrective lenses.

Low vision can be caused by:

Our doctors can help you adapt to low vision. Come visit us to learn how we can work together in your vision care!

The Hallmarks of Low Vision

There are many ways to experience low vision. You may find your central vision or your peripheral vision could be affected. You may struggle with contrast sensitivity (the ability to distinguish between objects of similar colors) or with depth perception (the ability to judge the distance of an object in your surroundings). 

You may find certain tasks more difficult with low vision, such as:

  • Reading
  • Using a computer or tablet
  • Writing
  • Watching television
  • Recognizing faces
  • Seeing switches, dials, or other mechanical controls
  • Seeing the board in the front of a school classroom
  • Shopping
  • Driving a car

Thankfully, there are ways to modify these tasks and continue to enjoy the activities you love!

Living with Low Vision

Across America, 14 million people live with low vision. That’s nearly 1 in 20 people.  

It is normal to feel frustrated or angry with the onset of low vision, and you should let yourself acknowledge those feelings. But there is hope. Many accommodations can be made so you can continue living a fulfilling life, and our rehabilitation specialists can help make your daily life more comfortable in regards to your vision. 

Come visit us to talk with an optometrist about the resources and assistance available to you. Let us be a part of your care going forward!

Our Locations

Altoona

  • 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
  • Altoona, IA 50009

Johnston

  • 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
  • Johnston, IA 50131

Our Blog

Why Does Driving at Night Get More Difficult as You Age?

Eye Health

Driving at night can be difficult at any age, especially if you have a preexisting vision problem. Between glare, difficulty seeing in the dark, or a delayed reaction time, it can be difficult to do so safely. But why does it become more difficult as you age? As you get older, your eyesight naturally gets […]

Read More…

May 10, 2023
Jeff Neighbors

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

Eye Health

How long will your eye exam be? An eye exam typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes, but certain factors can affect the duration of your appointment, such as your eye health and any potential risks for eye diseases.  What Happens During an Eye Exam?  During a comprehensive eye exam, your vision care practitioner must […]

Read More…

April 4, 2023
Jeff Neighbors

How to Clean Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses

An inevitable part of wearing eyeglasses is that, eventually, they will get dirty. You’ll smudge the lens with a fingerprint, or maybe you’ll splash water on them. As tempting as a quick breath and wipe from your t-shirt is, that’s not an ideal way to clean them. A gentle wash with warm water and soap […]

Read More…

April 4, 2023
Jeff Neighbors
A senior man in the driver's seat of a car with a senior woman in the passenger seat, both with a concerned look on their faces

Driving at night can be difficult at any age, especially if you have a preexisting vision problem. Between glare, difficulty seeing in the dark, or a delayed reaction time, it can be difficult to do so safely. But why does it become more difficult as you age? As you get older, your eyesight naturally gets […]

Read More…

"An optometrist performing an eye examination on a man using a specialized medical device while holding a lens up to the man's eye."

How long will your eye exam be? An eye exam typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes, but certain factors can affect the duration of your appointment, such as your eye health and any potential risks for eye diseases.  What Happens During an Eye Exam?  During a comprehensive eye exam, your vision care practitioner must […]

Read More…

A close-up of hands cleaning black-colored frame eyeglasses with a cleaning spray and a microfiber.

An inevitable part of wearing eyeglasses is that, eventually, they will get dirty. You’ll smudge the lens with a fingerprint, or maybe you’ll splash water on them. As tempting as a quick breath and wipe from your t-shirt is, that’s not an ideal way to clean them. A gentle wash with warm water and soap […]

Read More…

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