Low Vision Details
A visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Book ConsultationWhat is Low Vision?
Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It involves partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots, or tunnel vision, making everyday tasks difficult. Low vision is not the same as blindness; people with low vision still have some useful sight. It is most common in adults over 65 due to age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. However, it can also affect younger people due to inherited conditions, eye injuries, or other diseases. With the right low vision aids, rehabilitation training, and support, people with low vision can maintain independence and continue many of their daily activities.
Low Vision Symptoms
- Difficulty reading, even with standard glasses
- Problems recognizing faces
- Trouble seeing objects at a distance
- Difficulty distinguishing colors
- Poor night vision or trouble adjusting to different lighting
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Need for bright light when reading or doing close work
- Glare sensitivity
Low Vision Causes
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts (when surgery is not possible or effective)
- Retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases
- Optic nerve damage from stroke or trauma
- Eye injuries
- Brain injuries affecting visual processing
- Albinism
Treatment for Low Vision
- Magnifying devices for reading and close work
- Electronic video magnifiers (CCTV or digital magnifiers)
- Large-print books, audiobooks, and screen-reading software
- High-contrast and specialized lighting solutions
- Telescopic lenses for distance viewing
- Orientation and mobility training
- Adaptive daily living skills training
- Counseling and support groups
- Treatment of the underlying eye condition where possible
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment with a low vision specialist if you find that regular glasses no longer help with everyday tasks, if you struggle to read, recognize faces, or navigate your environment. Early referral to a low vision rehabilitation program can significantly improve your quality of life and help you adapt to vision changes. Even if your eye doctor has told you that nothing more can be done for your eye condition, a low vision specialist can offer tools and strategies to help you make the most of your remaining vision.
Related Conditions
A condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.
A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, leading to decreased vision.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye.
A diabetes complication that affects the eyes, caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina.
Need Professional Help?
Our eye specialists are here to help. Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive eye examination.