Dr. Jacobi,

I have advanced macular degeneration that was diagnosed approximately 10 years ago. I no longer receive shots in my eyes. My sight is limited to the point that I can no longer recognize friends or family. I am 82 years old. Can you do something for me so I can see faces and watch TV?

-Rita


Dear Rita,

Good news, Rita! I prescribe low-vision devices for patients in your predicament. My ability to help you see faces is almost certain. The devices are used to magnify, so the enlarged image falls on to the remaining healthy portions of your retina.

Doctors tell patients they will never go blind from macular degeneration. However, the sight can become so compromised that these patients feel as if they are sightless.

If these patients do not receive low-vision care they can feel isolated and depressed. Many of these patients lose their independence.

The devices we use are telescope-mounted devices that allow a patient to see farther away. The way they are designed is to keep people “hands-free” and therefore they can enjoy a more natural way of seeing. Also, I can make sure to prescribe them in such a way as to make it easier for you to get around.

The first step is to have you in for a low-vision evaluation. During the visit I will assess your remaining sight and prescribe just what you need to improve your quality of life. Rest assured, you will certainly leave much better than when you came in!


ABOUT DR. JACOBI

With 37 years of providing family vision care as a practicing optometrist, Dr. Jacobi has always incorporated low vision into his practice, providing much needed care to thousands of patients. He now focuses on low vision services at his Novi practice, located inside Eye Care Associates, PC at 26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 150 in Novi.

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www.beyondlowvision.com