Eye Services
Dr. Benson's practice emphasis is on treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye dises, macular degeneration, dry eye, and other eye problems in addition to providing quality eye care to all ages.
Meet Dr. Benson
Dr. Benson is both types of eye doctors: Optometrist AND Ophthalmologist. Practicing with the motto, "Caring for you, not just your eyes," he has been attending to his patients for more than 25 years.
Frequently Asked
What is an ophthalmologist?
Why should I see an ophthalmologist?
How often should I see an ophthalmologist?
Get these answers and more.
Low or Poor Vision
What is low vision?
Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks difficult. A person with low vision may find it difficult or impossible to accomplish such activities as reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car, recognizing faces, and crossing the street. When vision cannot be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine, or surgery, people with low vision need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence.
What causes low vision?
Low vision can be caused by eye injuries or by diseases such as:
- macular degeneration;
- glaucoma;
- diabetic retinopathy;
- retinitis pigmentosa.
These conditions can occur at any age but are more common in older people. Normal aging of the eye does not lead to low vision. Regular medical eye exams by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) are important to diagnose eye diseases, treat those conditions that can be helped, and start the process of vision rehabilitation for people with low vision.
What can be done to help?
Vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision compensate or their vision loss, much as rehabilitation helps people with heart disease, arthritis, and stroke. You can learn new strategies to complete daily activities. By mastering new techniques and devices, you can regain confidence and live independently in spite of vision loss. This can be a challenging and frustrating period of adjustment- one that requires patience, practice, motivation, and the support of your doctor, low vision specialist, family and friends. Yet the rewards can be invaluable: being able to function better in your daily life. The amount of rehabilitation needed depends on your vision loss and what you want to be able to do. A team approach is often best and may involve some or all of these professionals: ophthalmologist, low vision specialist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation teacher, orientation and mobility specialist, social worker, or counselor.
Lighting and glare
Good lighting and control of glare are very important for most people with low vision. Here are some useful suggestions: A bright light close to reading material often improves vision. Adjust its location for the greatest visibility without glare. In dimly lit areas, stronger light bulbs can make tasks like cooking, dressing, and walking up or down stairs easier. Wearing a hat with a wide brim or tinted wrap-around sunglasses can shield your eyes from dazzling and annoying overhead lights or sunlight.
