Low Vision
What is Low Vision?
Low Vision is a condition where a person suffers from loss of vision, which traditionally cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery, and needs special magnifying devices, telescopes or electronic devices to improve vision.
Low Vision can cause a person to be unable to accomplish daily tasks due to sight impairments.
It doesn’t involve total blindness as the person has some amount of sight remaining, but in varying degrees, ranging from blind spots to complete vision loss. Low Vision can be defined as vision with an acuity of 6/30 in the good eye.
When Does Low Vision Affect You?
Vision difficulties or reduced vision can affect many aspects of your life. Low Vision occurs when an individual struggles with any of the following common activities:
- Reading or Writing
- Personal Grooming
- Viewing Pictures or TV
- Recognising Faces
Individuals with Low Vision are unable to have their sight corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery.
Still, others who face visual challenges may see the world through a permanent “dimmer switch.”
Who Suffer From Low Vision
Hundreds of thousands of Australians experience a normal loss of vision as they get older. Study shows almost 1% of people aged 50 suffer from Low Vision. However, the number of individuals who develop vision problems due to health conditions is projected to rise to over 3% by 2020.
What Are The Types Of Low Vision?
The common types of Low Vision are:
- Central vision loss: a blurry or blind spot in the central vision, while side vision is intact. Inability to see ahead although mobility is unaffected.
- Peripheral (side) vision loss or tunnel vision: inability to see from one or both sides, or above or below the eye level, while central vision remains intact. Ability to see ahead although mobility is affected.
- Blurred vision: near and far objects are out of focus
- Generalised haze: complete viewing field seems to be covered with a film or glare
- Extreme light sensitivity: glared and/or washed out image even in normal light, with pain or discomfort
- Night blindness: inability to see at night or in dimly lit areas
What Causes Low Vision?
Low Vision can develop as a result of various eye conditions or injuries.
Symptoms of vision loss vary, depend on the possible causes of the problem. Patients who suffer from Low Vision may be unable to recognise faces or shapes from a close distance, while others may not be able to see colours clearly.
Any damage to the retina layers interferes the ability of the retina to absorb the visual information and transmit the message correctly to the visual cortex.
Most people develop Low Vision with age-related eye diseases such as:
- Age-Related Macular degeneration (AMD) (retinal damage),
- Glaucoma (optic nerve damage).
- Diabetes Retinopathy,
- Cataracts,
- Eye Cancer,
- Inherited Disorders (e.g. Retinitis Pigmentosa, and
- Impaired brain function due to stroke or injury.
What is the Treatment for Low Vision?
People with Low Vision can use many optical and non-optical tools that help in managing daily activities easily.
Low Vision aids include
- telescopic glasses,
- light filtering lenses,
- magnifying glasses,
- magnifiers,
- video magnification, and
- reading prisms.
Non-optical aids include:
- text-reading software,
- check writing guides,
- high contrast and talking clocks and watches,
- large-print reading material, and
- big numbered devices.
How is Low Vision Diagnosed?
To diagnose Low Vision, your eye doctor will collect detailed information on your family history and functional problems you may be facing while carrying out daily activities.
You may need to undergo preliminary tests to assess ocular functions including colour and contrast sensitivity.
Your doctor will ascertain the level of impairment, depth perception and visual fields using various magnifiers, charts and lighting.
Is There A Cure for Low Vision?
It is uncommon and rare to restore—in its entirety—a vision that is lost.
Your doctor can determine whether the loss of vision you have experienced is normal due to aging, or if it is caused by other sources such as eye disease.
Your Doctor can also help to determine if a vision rehabilitation program will be able to help an individual with Low Vision.
What If Low Vision Is Not Treated?
The consequences of inaction or not seeking advice could lead to faster deterioration of your sight.
Your Next Step
People who feel their vision has changed for the worse should make an appointment as soon as possible, regardless of how many years it has been since their last appointment.
Making such an appointment can be a difficult step to take if a person with Low Vision fears the loss of his independence.
However, being proactive can actually help a person with visual challenges take charge of his health and maintain his independence.
Our Clinic will provide progressive technology that is flexible and easy to use. Our solutions feature only the best vision devices as we continue to offer new visual aids.
Our friendly staff is here to help. We would love to assist you in finding the right Low Vision aid for yourself or your loved ones
Knowledge Is Power
The more you learn about eye disease or other causes of Low Vision, the more empowered you will be.
Your Doctor has a wealth of information about eye diseases, including their prevention and current treatment options.
When visiting Your Doctor you should ask yourself the following questions about vision changes and vision loss:
- What changes can I expect in my vision?
- Will my vision loss get worse?
- How much of my vision will I lose?
- Will regular eyeglasses improve my vision?
- What medical/surgical treatments are available for my condition?
- What can I do to protect or prolong my vision?
- Will diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes help?
- Can I have a Low Vision examination and evaluation?
- Am I a Candidate for vision rehabilitation?
- How can I continue my normal, routine activities?
- Are there resources to help me in my job?
- Will any special devices help me with daily activities like reading, sewing, cooking, or fixing things around the house?
- What training and services are available to help me live better and more safely with Low Vision?
Vision Loss does not have to equal the loss of self-sufficiency, and is not a “lost cause.” People with visual challenges can lead as full, happy lives as those with normal vision.
