What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a loss of eyesight that can not be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments such as medicine or surgery. This problem makes doing everyday tasks difficult and may affect your lifestyle in ways such as traveling, cooking, work and school.
Low vision does not mean complete blindness, as there is still some vision left that may be preserved and improved with the use of visual aids. Low vision includes different degrees of sight loss which the American Optometric Association defines into two categories: “Partially sighted” (the individual has visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with standard prescription), and “Legally blind” (the individual has visual acuity no better than 20/200 with standard correction and/or a restricted field of vision less than 20 degrees wide lenses).
When vision cannot be improved with regular eye glasses, medicine, or surgery, then people with low vision will need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence.
What are the symptoms of Low Vision?
The symptoms of low vision may differ and depend on the disease or condition that has caused the low vision. The most common symptoms are:
- Loss of central vision (Trouble seeing things in the center of your vision)
- Loss of peripheral vision (Troubling seeing things out of the corners of your eyes)
- Inability telling colors apart
- Night blindness (Inability to see in low light)
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Blind spots in vision
What are the causes of Low Vision?
Low vision may be caused by one or more conditions and disorders. These conditions are typically the result of disorders or injuries that affect the eyes such as; macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa. Other less common conditions that can result in low vision are cancer of the eyes, albinism, and brain injury. Because each of these conditions affect the body in a different way, the underlying root cause of the low vision will vary and so will the symptoms.
These conditions can occur at any age but are more common in older people. It is important to note that 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.
How will you know if you have it? What are the treatment options?
Many do not realize their vision is worsening until it has become more severe and is affecting their livelihood. Trouble with common tasks may indicate you are living with low vision. Be aware if you are experiencing difficulty with tasks such:
- Reading
- Writing
- Driving
- Shopping
- Viewing television and computer screens
- Recognizing people’s faces
- Seeing objects far away or in dim lighting
Your eye doctor will also be able to diagnose low vision, so it is crucial that you maintain regular eye exams. If you are prone to any underlying conditions that may cause low vision, you may be able to prevent it from occurring, or any further vision loss, with the proper treatment plan. Once diagnosed with low vision, there are many devices, aids, and strategies that will help you live your life to the fullest, even with low vision.
One treatment option that is often very successful is vision rehabilitation. This type of therapy can help people with low vision compensate for 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. The amount of rehabilitation needed depends on your vision loss and what you want to be able to do.
There are also many devices that can help people with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and to function better and enhance their quality of life. Optical low vision devices use lenses to magnify objects, making them easier to see. Although, different devices may be needed for different tasks. Before purchasing a device, consider talking to a trained professional who can help you determine what will best meet your needs. Remember that you will need training and practice to become skilled at using any device.
Low vision devices may include:
- Magnifying spectacles (stronger than ordinary glasses)
- Stand magnifiers
- Hand magnifiers
- Telescopes
- Video magnifiers
There are also numerous other low vision aids, devices, and techniques to help make every day activities easier.
They include:
Large-print Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Playing Cards, And Checks;
Techniques Such As Writing And Signing Guides To Highlight The Area Of Interest;
High-contrast And Large Number Telephones, Thermostats, Watches, And Remote Controls;
- Talking watches, timers, books and blood pressure and blood sugar machines;
- Bold-tipped markers for easy-to-read shopping and phone number lists;
- Computers that can magnify, on screen or on paper, any printed material or picture;
- Computers that read aloud what is viewed on screen;
- Computers that read aloud what is viewed on screen;
- Modifying your usual habits, such as sitting closer to the television. (This will not damage your eyes!)
Good lighting and control of glare are also very important for most people with low vision. A bright light close to reading material often improves vision. You can 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 the stairs easier. Wearing a hat with a wide brim or tinted wrap-around sunglasses can also shield your eyes from dazzling and annoying overhead lights or sunlight.
It is important to know that your value does not depend on your vision, and you can still live well with low vision. It is also important to acknowledge that if you learn that your vision loss is irreversible, feelings of anger and frustration are completely normal and understandable. However, with new strategies of vision rehabilitation, you can stay active and keep your independence. It is also never too burdensome to ask for help. YOU are worth the effort!
