A Glossary Of Spectacle Mounted Telescopes Commonly Used In Vision Rehabilitation.

With an increase in the aging population in the United States comes an increase in the number of people suffering from age-related visual impairments. Optometrists will be challenged to treat patients with age-related macular degeneration; the leading cause
of blindness in the U.S. for individuals over sixty-five, as well as other visually-impairing diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. The patients that are dealt such pathology face serious physical and psychological roadblocks in carrying on normal daily activities
such as driving a car or reading the newspaper. While there are surgical treatment options available in certain cases, most people are left searching for other sources of aid. Thus, paralleling the rise in visual disabilities is the increase in number of telescopic devices intended to help these individuals. The large number of
devices available and enormous differences in each scope's characteristics can make choosing the telescopic device appropriate for each unique patient's needs very confusing. This confusion can lead to inappropriate assignment of a device, or worse; no attempt at prescription at all. The intend of this paper is to present an
objective glossary and description of some of the currently most commonly prescribed spectacle-mounted telescopes in visual rehabilitation.