Low Vision

Low Vision

Low vision is a term commonly used to refer to visual impairment that cannot be corrected by lenses or glasses. A person with low vision is severely limited with respect to visual acuity and/or loss of visual field. The person with low vision may still be able to function, work, and enjoy life, but the visual loss is present to a degree to which it interferes with the ability to perform a varying range of daily activities.

What causes low vision?

Low vision can be caused by many different eye diseases or injuries. The most common causes include:

• Macular Degeneration affects central vision, ability to read and see faces. Straight lines appear wavy. Dark or empty spots block the center of your vision.
• Glaucoma loss of peripheral (side) vision and difficulty seeing at night
• Cataracts causes vision to be hazy
• Diabetic Retinopathy causes distorted or blurred vision

What are the symptoms?

• Difficulty reading signs, watching TV, or making out details in faces
• Difficulty reading - print appears distorted
• Difficulty seeing objects, including walls, steps, curbs