Low Vision

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is a vision problem that makes it difficult to perform daily tasks. It cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or other conventional treatments such as medicine or surgery.

If you can’t see well enough to do the following, you may have low vision:

• Read
• Drive
• Recognize people by their faces
• Differentiate between colours
• Clearly see your television or computer screen.

What are the different types of low vision?

The type of low vision you have is determined by the disease or condition that caused it. The following are the most common types of low vision:

• Loss of central vision (not being able to see things in the centre of your vision)
• Loss of peripheral vision (not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes)
• Night blindness (not being able to see in low light)
• Blurry or hazy vision

Low vision can be caused by a variety of eye conditions, but the most common ones are:

• Macular degeneration as we age (AMD)
• Cataracts
• Diabetes-related retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes)
• Glaucoma

Low vision is more common in older people because many of the diseases that can cause it are more prevalent in them. Low vision is not caused solely by ageing.

Low vision can also be caused by eye and brain injuries, as well as certain genetic disorders.

Treatment for low vision aims to protect your vision as much as possible. So good lighting, phone apps and specialist equipment will all help. You may also benefit from low vision aids such as magnifying spectacles and complex telescopes.

Unfortunately, most cases of low vision are permanent. Eyeglasses, medicine, and surgery cannot usually cure low vision — but they can sometimes improve vision, make daily activities easier, or keep your vision from deteriorating.

The specific eye condition that caused your low vision will determine your treatment options. Inquire with your doctor if there are any treatments that could improve or protect your remaining vision.

If you have low vision, you can find ways to make the most of it while still doing the things you enjoy.

If your vision loss is minor, you may be able to make slight changes to improve your vision. You can do the following:

• Increase the brightness of your lights at home or at work.
• Wear anti-reflective sunglasses.
• Use a magnifying glass for reading and other close-up tasks.
• If your vision loss is interfering with your daily activities, speak with your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. A specialist can assist you in adjusting to your vision loss. This can include items such as:
  • Guidance on using a magnifying glass for reading.
  • Advice on how to arrange your home so that you can move around easily
  • Sharing resources to assist you in dealing with your vision loss

Contact Us to schedule your Home Visits Test

Request an Appointment Online or Call Us to schedule your home visit or to learn more about our process and how we help our patients. Our team are contactable on 0121 604 2020.