We were so pleased when Michelle agreed to share a bit of her vision story with us and you! She is such an amazing person and we just love her positive attitude!
Michelle C. Bush- I'm often asked about my vision, how I'm able to drive and about my "telescopes" (aka. bioptic glasses). Here is the short version...
In August of 2003 (while pregnant with my son Micah), I was diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri/Intracranial Hypertension. Basically, spinal fluid leaks into my brain and causes too much pressure (severe headaches that make migraines feel like a walk in the park). The fluid damaged my optic nerves and macula, leaving me legally blind .
Regular glasses and contact lenses are not able to correct the type of damage that I have and for the first two years after being diagnosed with PTC, I couldn't drive. This was such a frustrating experience, particularly having a newborn baby at home and having lost the freedom to drive. Definitely a luxary that we take for granted!!
Thankfully, my vision finally improved enough (20/180) that bioptics could help me drive again! I am so thankful for the freedom that Ocutech bioptics have provided for me.
What is your vision with glasses that the bioptics allow you to drive? What I’m trying to figure out is what is the vision cut off before they do not allow you to drive with bioptics? 20/100 20/200? As most of the driving is done with your glasses I’m assuming ?
It varies from state to state and country to country. We have some information on our website here. There is also a website here that may help as well.
You are correct in that you are using the lenses in the eyeglasses most of the time while driving.
“Studies show that experienced bioptic drivers only look through their bioptic telescope 2-3% of the time while they are driving.”