|
Light is essential for vision, but too much light can make seeing more difficult. And for people with low vision, control of outdoor and indoor light -- especially controlling glare and enhancing contrast -- is essential for managing even routine activities. Specialized lenses can help, but it�s important to understand what these lenses are, and what they can do for you. The concept of using lenses to control light is not new. Throughout history, people have tried various ways to minimize the effects of bright light and glare. The Eskimos used whalebones with slits to reduce the glare off the ice. The Chinese invented the Tacha Chi, a tea lens with brown tint. Green lenses were developed in England in 1561 to aid ailing eyes, but it wasn�t until 1870 that a special lens was produced to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. Simply put, sunglasses keep certain wavelengths of light from entering the eye, protect against UV light, decrease glare and increase contrast. They come in tints ranging from very light to very dark. And by absorbing or transmitting specific wavelengths of light, sunglasses -- also called absorptive lenses -- can help people with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, and macular degeneration. What is Ultraviolet Light? Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible but harmful. Most people are aware of its danger to their skin, but may not realize that it can also affect vision. UV light is generally divided into three parts: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C is blocked by the earth�s atmosphere and generally not a concern. However, UV-A and UV-B are thought to contribute to cataract formation. Ultraviolet protection is especially important for people after cataract surgery. Although the lens implant following surgery contains UV blocking agents, it does not provide the same degree of protection to the macula as does the natural lens. Commonly Asked Questions About Sunglasses: Q. Are specific lenses recommended for different eye conditions? A. There are no set rules to determine which type of absorptive lens is recommended, but we find that people with certain eye conditions prefer specific colors. Individuals with glaucoma may perceive the world as being �too dark.� As a result, they may show a preference for yellow lenses, which increase apparent brightness of surroundings and may enhance contrast both indoors and outdoors. People with macular degeneration may favor orange, yellow-orange or plum lenses outdoors; people with retinitis pigmentosa may prefer a red lens to enhance contrast. Q. What important characteristics should sunglasses have? A. The thinning ozone layer has resulted in increased levels of UV light. Consequently, lenses worn outdoors should protect against UV light. Look for a label indicating that the lenses absorb 99-100 percent of UV light. An ultraviolet coating can be put on any lens. Q. What eye conditions can result from excessive exposure to UV light? A. Exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts, conjunctival pterygium, and corneal problems. In addition, recent research cites excessive sun exposure as a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, people of all ages should wear sunglasses, as well as hats or visors. This is particularly important for infants and people involved in outdoor sports. Q. Are absorptive lenses helpful when going from a bright outdoor environment to an indoor one? A. Many people with normal vision have a difficult time adapting to abrupt changes in light levels. A prime example is when one enters a movie theatre. These changes can be even more problematic for someone with a vision impairment. Without the use of absorptive lenses, it may take anywhere from five to 30 minutes to adjust to lighting changes. Wearing absorptive lenses may decrease the adjustment time. Q. How can I find quality sunglasses if I am visually impaired? A. Absorptive lenses come in many tints, with varying degrees of light transmission. They are available in various designs that can fit over your glasses, slip behind regular glasses, clip, or flip up.
As you may know, Medicare reimburses a variety of assistive devices, referred to as �Durable Medical Equipment.� Such devices include prosthetic limbs, walkers, home glucose monitors, etc. Optical devices and equipment for vision impairment, however, are not reimbursable. Eye care professionals are increasingly prescribing electronic magnification systems for people who are visually impaired, as prosthetic devices to replace the dysfunctional portion of the eye. These systems, however, come with high price tags. For several years, information has been collected on limited successes with Medicare. It is a long process, and not one for the faint-hearted. But if you won�t take �no� for an answer, here are some tips for pursuing Medicare reimbursement for a CCTV or other electronic magnification system: 1. Obtain and file the Patient Request for Medical Payment, HVFA FORM 1490 from any Social Security or Medicare Office. 2. Send in the form along with a prescription for the CCTV, written BEFORE the date of purchase. Be sure that your eye care physician states that the CCTV serves as a prosthesis for the dysfunctional portion of the eye, and is required to assist you in reading medication information, prescriptions, and other tasks related to managing your medical needs. Include a copy of both the bill and your check or other form of payment. Send it certified, return receipt requested. 3. Be prepared for an initial rejection. Insist on a WRITTEN denial. 4. Once you receive the written denial, request a reconsideration and send along the same materials. Include a strong letter from your physician. 5. When your reconsideration request is denied, ask for a hearing. It will be granted. Do not hesitate to bring a family member or physician to help you advocate effectively. In almost all cases, you will be denied once again. But hope is in sight! 6. Now, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where success has been had. When you�re ready to take this step, call the Lighthouse International at (212) 821-9567. They will share information about successful cases. As more people pursue Medicare coverage under Durable Medical Equipment regulations, the current rules will be affected. The system can be changed.
Tickets are $5.00 (Available at Harney�s) Drawing will be held on or around August 15, 1999. Winner will receive a Wave Runner valued at $5,500. Thank you, Harney�s Cape Cod! |
