Skip to main content
Home » What's New » Texas Optometrist Utilizing Miniature Telescopes to Help Those Diagnosed With Macular Degeneration See Better

Texas Optometrist Utilizing Miniature Telescopes to Help Those Diagnosed With Macular Degeneration See Better

chism holding glasses

One Texas Optometrist, Dr. Larry M. Chism, is developing innovative solutions for patients living with Macular Degeneration and other vision limiting conditions.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe vision loss in older Americans. It affects central vision and may interfere with daily tasks, such as reading and driving. One Texas optometrist, Dr. Larry M. Chism, has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for patients living with AMD and other vision limiting conditions.

“Sight is a precious gift and no one knows that more than someone who is losing it,” says Dr. Chism. Macular Degeneration affects the retina in two forms – dry and wet AMD. The dry form of AMD is more common, and is generally not associated with severe loss of vision. Wet AMD is frequently accompanied by relatively sudden loss of vision. Recent advances in technology are making it possible for many patients with either form of AMD to maintain their independence and continue doing the things they enjoy.

Dr. Chism is a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, (IALVS), an organization of optometrists across the country dedicated to improving the way of life for those living with vision loss. “Many of our patients have been told nothing more can be done,” says Dr. Chism. “However, while there is no cure for macular degeneration, recent advances in technology are making it possible for patients to see better and maintain independence, offering new options and hope.”

A technology once used only by physicians and scientists, Miniature telescopes and Microscopes are now emerging as viable options for many patients with vision-limiting conditions such as macular degeneration. “These low vision devices, are allowing patients to see the faces of loved ones, read and maintain their independence.”

After a low-vision evaluation, IALVS optometrists work with whatever vision the patient has and are often able to prescribe mini-telescopes or microscopes that are built into glasses. The specific type of glasses a patient receives will depend on the specific tasks a patient is interested in accomplishing. More information about living with vision loss can be found on The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists website: www.IALVS.com.

If you are interested in learning more about the low vision technology, contact Dr. Chism and he will speak with you over the phone, at no cost, to see if you are an ideal candidate for a low vision evaluation or special glasses. Visit www.chismlowvision.com or call (888) 243-2020.

About Dr. Larry M. Chism

Dr. Larry Chism received his Bachelor of Science in 1975 and went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry shortly after, concentrating in contact lenses and low vision. Since 1980, Dr. Chism has been the full owner and managing associate of Vision Source-Tyler, a private practice providing full scope optometric eye care services.

As a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, Dr. Chism is committed to helping patients gain back their freedom. He has been providing low vision care for 20 years and has extensive experience in working with individuals who have suffered from decreased vision. These individuals desire to gain back control of their lives and not let decreased vision interfere with their happiness. For this reason, Dr. Chism is referred to by his patients as “the see better doctor.”

For your convenience, Dr. Chism commutes to six different locations throughout Texas as well as Phoenix, Arizona.

About Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 65. By definition, macular degeneration affects only the macular portion of the retina. The retina, like film in a camera, is the photosensitive layer of the eye. It is “wall-papered” to the back of the eye and is extremely thin. The macular portion of the retina, a very small area, is the part we use for sharp, clear central detail vision. The rest of the retina, the peripheral or side vision retina, is used for mobility and detecting motion. When the macula degenerates, whether it’s wet or dry, only the central vision is reduced. The side vision always remains.

Atrophic (dry) macular degeneration is when the cells in the macular die. Causes can be aging, nutrition, sunlight, smoking, genetics and other causes we may not know about yet. There is simply no medical treatment. Dead retinal cells cannot be brought back to life. Retinal cells cannot be regrown, replaced, moved or transplanted.

Exudative (wet) macular degeneration is caused by leakage of fluid from the blood vessels behind the macula. Because the macula has its own blood supply, only the macular area is affected. The peripheral retina has another blood supply.

Adjust Text Size Normal Large Extra Large