Low vision is a term that is used for patients that have visual acuities ranging from 20/70 or lower and can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Patients with low vision are different from patients who are blind because low vision patients have some use of their sense of sight. However, many low vision patients are unable to perform daily tasks such as driving, reading or even seeing different colors and shapes from a distance.
Unlike other eye conditions, low vision can be caused by many things. Some of the most common causes of low vision are:
- Birth Defects
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Injuries
- Inherited Diseases
- Aging
The loss of vision can be devastating; especially if you learn that your vision can never be restored. If you are experiencing symptoms of vision loss, it is important to see your eye doctor. Some symptoms of vision loss are:
- If you are not able to read things clearly.
- If you are not able to write.
- If you have a hard time watching television.
- If you are not able to drive.
- If you have a hard time recognizing faces.
It is important to remember that patients with low vision have support groups, visual aids, and other resources available to them. Make sure to talk to your eye doctor if you have low vision about what treatment plan options or resources are best for you. For more information on low vision resources, click here.