New book proposes ways to help people see better with macular degeneration, low vision

Dr. Randolph C. Kinkade , a Connecticut optometrist and founding member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, has written the Guide for Macular Degeneration Eyeglasses: Low Vision Treatment. The book helps educate individuals and their doctors about the newest ways to help people see better with macular degeneration and low vision.

Macular degeneration is a common, incurable and potentially devastating disease.  It is the leading cause of permanent vision loss and low vision for seniors.  "Low Vision" is the term used to describe vision loss that cannot be corrected with regular glasses, surgery or medication. 

The guide discusses macular degeneration, low vision treatment and how magnification benefits people suffering from macular degeneration.  The book highlights advanced optic eyeglasses.  It is written in high-contrast large print and contains numerous photographs of patients wearing their low vision glasses.

Unfortunately many people are unfamiliar with low vision treatment options. "Patients come to me all the time asking why their doctor did not make the recommendation for these special glasses or other low vision aids," Dr. Kinkade said.  "They are frustrated with their reduced level of vision and how it has hindered what they want to see and do."

For reading and writing there are Prismatic Magnifying Spectacles (PMSs), Spectacle Miniature Telescopes (SMTs) and ClearImage II Reading Microscopes.  They provide higher magnification than regular eyeglasses, often making reading easier. They do make things better, but they cannot make things perfect warns Dr. Kinkade.

For seeing in the distance (10 feet and beyond), like watching television, driving and seeing people's faces, new E-Scoop Glasses and Spectacle Miniature Telescopes (SMTs) are available.  SMTs for distance viewing are available in full-diameter and bioptic designs.

"No pair of eyeglasses can eliminate developing blind spots created by macular degeneration, but they do make things larger,  giving you a better chance of seeing and reading," Dr. Kinkade said.

The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) is another new treatment option for people with advanced stable macular degeneration and is discussed in the book.  Dr. Kinkade is part of the first treatment team in Connecticut to offer this technology and has been recently interviewed on WFSB and WTNH television.

The book also discusses the benefits of Electronic Magnification Aids.  "With electronic magnification we can make words very large and improve contrast for easier reading," reports Dr. Kinkade.  "We can even improve the patient's ability to write checks and view photographs."

Lighting techniques are described in the book to help in the use of low vision glasses.  People now have options like halogen, neodymium, fluorescent or LED lighting to help with reading.  Swing-arm and gooseneck lamps with a swivel reflector shade allow the light to be aimed properly.

"I know these glasses get people to see better, Dr. Kinkade said.  "How much better depends on the person's level of vision, what needs to be seen, and the person's ability to adapt to new ways of seeing."