Microscopes for Low Vision

Microscope eyeglasses utilize a double lens system to combine a patient’s standard eyeglass prescription with additional magnification to accommodate for their low vision.

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What are Microscopes for Low Vision?

Microscope glasses utilize a double lens system to provide a low vision patient with vision correction in addition to whatever prescription they had prior to them suffering from low vision.

The lenses in these glasses are piggybacked to reduce the blur which staring through two high powered lenses at once can otherwise cause. Additionally, because they are primarily used for short distance vision, microscope glasses are usually monocular (used with one eye). In most cases, this is the patient’s stronger eye.

How Do Microscopes Help Low Vision Patients?

Microscopes are a great tool to help low vision patients have the vision aid they need to accommodate for without them needing to wear an additional device for any vision correction required prior to the onset of their low vision symptoms. This works by redirecting the light entering the eye away from the damaged area and toward areas that are still properly working.

Drawbacks of Microscopes for Low Vision

While they do their job well, microscope glasses do have some limitations. Due to the fact that they reduce the patient’s visual field, it may be necessary to hold the object, such as a book, at a specific closer distance to get the best possible assistance from them.

Drawbacks of Microscopes for Low Vision

As with other low vision devices, microscope glasses should be prescribed by a low vision doctor following a comprehensive eye exam, to make sure that you get microscopes with the right strength and design to provide you with the most benefit.

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Types of Microscopes for Low Vision

There are several different designs for low vision microscopes, which provide varying cosmetic and functional options. Based on your individual needs, the low vision doctor will be able to recommend types of microscopes or specific brands which would work best for you.

These include:

Bifocal microscopes: These are a microscopic lens system that is designed to be used in a bifocal form. These are great for people who need to regularly switch between near and distance vision. Additionally, the patient’s distance prescription can be incorporated into the lenses, along with a colored tint for patients with light sensitivity.

Full Diameter Microscopes: Full diameter microscopes are meant for near vision use only, and are fairly easy for a patient to learn to use. While the working distance for this microscope type is short, it has a high depth of focus, allowing the wearer to have great focusing flexibility.

Telephoto Microscopes: Telephoto microscopes allow patients to read from a greater distance than other comparable systems, and provides a very wide, clear, and distortion free field of vision.

HighPower Microscopes: These are more made to be more aesthetically appealing for low vision patients in need of increased magnification.

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