For those living with low vision, everyday activities—like reading, driving, or enjoying a night at the theater—can feel increasingly challenging. The good news is that advances in low vision glasses are helping people maintain their independence and continue doing the things they love.

Unlike traditional prescription lenses, low vision glasses are designed to maximize your remaining vision by enhancing contrast, magnifying detail, or expanding your field of view. They allow you to move freely and keep your hands free—something that’s not always possible with handheld magnifiers or other aids.

Types of Low Vision Glasses

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to low vision care. Different types of specialized glasses serve unique purposes based on your visual needs and lifestyle:

• Bioptic Telescope Glasses:
  These innovative lenses combine a small telescope mounted on regular eyeglasses. They allow wearers to spot distant details—like road signs—while still being able to look through the regular lens for walking or reading. Many patients have been able to keep their driver’s license and maintain mobility thanks to bioptic telescope technology.
• E-Scoop Glasses:
  Designed specifically for people with macular degeneration, E-Scoop glasses enhance contrast and image clarity by adjusting light entry. This helps improve distance vision and comfort, particularly in bright outdoor conditions.
• Side-Vision Awareness Glasses:
  For those with peripheral vision loss (such as from stroke or glaucoma), side-vision awareness glasses use special prisms to expand the visual field, making it easier to detect objects and movement from the side.
• Full-Diameter Telescope Glasses:
  Perfect for theater enthusiasts, sports fans, or concertgoers, these glasses provide magnification across the entire lens, allowing you to enjoy performances and events with greater clarity.
• Prismatic Reading Glasses:
  For near tasks like reading or sewing, prismatic glasses use lenses that bend light and reduce the strain of focusing on close-up text or detail.

A Personalized Approach to Better Vision

Each person’s vision is unique, which is why low vision evaluations are so important. During your visit, Dr. Bissell will assess your remaining vision, discuss your daily activities, and help match you with the best optical solutions for your needs.

Low vision glasses aren’t just about seeing better—they’re about living better. With the right lenses, you can continue to read, drive, and participate fully in the moments that matter most.

Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a low vision consultation with Dr. Bissell a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists Call 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to learn how specialized glasses can help you regain confidence, mobility, and independence.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.