Blog vol 3. 12 EGNDH
No that is not a word, those are 5 letters on the Snellen eye chart for vision testing. Late 2019, the Ontario government changed the regulations for drivers, making it possible for people who could not see this line of letters to drive.
To drive a car in Ontario, the most important visual component is the field of vision, which has to be at least 120 degrees. The visual acuity needs to be 20/50, that is the person needs to see at 20 feet what the “normal” observer can see at 50 feet.
The Ontario government has allowed the use of bioptic telescopes, telescopes mounted on a pair of spectacles, set at a different angle from looking straight ahead, to enable visually impaired people to get behind the wheel. Since that time we have been busy at Burlington Eyecare, fitting and training people on the use of these telescopes: new drivers, reinstated drivers, or drivers with visual problems who are able to keep their licenses.
If you are not able to drive because of vision limitations, please give us a call.
A good low vision refraction is a must to get the best possible spectacle correction.
The answer is not always a bioptic. Two examples of note, both these patients wanted to drive, but we are not fitting them with a telescope.
Sometimes special contact lenses can be the best solution for visually impaired patients. One patient had a high myopic prescription and was just not making the 20/50 line. A gas permeable contact lens will improve the optics and increase the size of the objects just enough to pass.
Another patient has nystagmus, the eyes weave back and forth, and when this happens, vision is reduced when using spectacles. Scleral contact lenses will help in two ways, by providing a more stable image and by helping to slow down the nystagmus. We are hoping to achieve 20/50 also.
A low vision assessment is a thorough eye exam specifically aimed at finding the best visual ability in the midst of impairment of whatever degree. It aims to help the patient use the vision they do have as well as possible. The low vision assessment considers the patient’s life and needs and tries to make things work.
Get a good low vision assessment.
Realistically, some people are not going to be able to meet MTO standards period. There are options and resources for these people also.
Call 905 639 9595 or email
icare@burlingtoneye.ca.
til next week,
the good doctor
