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What Is Low Vision?

What Is Low Vision?

Our vision changes naturally throughout our lives. As we age, use, injury, and other health conditions can put us at increasing risk of developing eye disease and, eventually, vision loss. However, this risk varies drastically from person to person and can leave many patients wondering about their actual chance of developing eye disease.

Low Vision: Understanding And Coping With Vision Loss

Low vision refers to a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. About 8 percent of the population in the United States falls into this category. Individuals with low vision experience a range of visual challenges that impact their daily activities, independence, and quality of life. 

Unlike total blindness, people with low vision retain some degree of sight, but it is often insufficient for tasks that require normal visual acuity. This condition can result from various eye diseases, injuries, or congenital disorders and is more prevalent in older adults. 

Low vision is generally divided into two categories by the American Optometric Association:

  • Partially Sighted: The individual can maintain visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with prescription lenses
  • Legally Blind: The individual has visual acuity either no better than 20/200 with conventional prescription lenses or a field of vision restricted to less than 20 degrees wide

Anyone can develop low vision. Below, we will explore the causes, effects, and coping strategies associated with this type of vision loss. 

Potential Causes Of Low Vision

The cause of low vision varies from individual to individual. From just the gradual and inevitable degradation of visual acuity with aging to underlying conditions, injury, or genetics. Low vision is most often associated with the following:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of low vision, affecting the central part of the retina. Most common in individuals 50+.
  • Glaucoma causes increased pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss, and if left untreated, can progress to central vision impairment.
  • Individuals with diabetes may develop damage to the blood vessels in the retina, causing vision loss as a symptom of Diabetic Retinopathy.
  • Injuries and trauma can cause lasting damage and visual impairment, especially in the case of retinal detachment.

Most Common Types And Effects Of Low Vision

Low vision has certain types of symptoms, which can manifest solely or in combination, including but not limited to:

  • Loss of central vision
  • Loss of peripheral vision
  • Night blindness
  • Blurry vision
  • Hazy vision

Unfortunately, low vision is usually permanent. Living with low vision poses numerous challenges that extend beyond physical limitations. The impact of low vision is multifaceted and affects various aspects of an individual's life.

Physical impacts and limitations may seem obvious. Routine daily activities such as reading, writing, cooking, and identifying faces become challenging, impacting independence and the ability to perform essential activities. Low vision may also affect depth perception and the ability to detect obstacles impacting mobility navigating, whether by foot or when driving.

But the above physical aspects of low vision can also have a mental and emotional impact. Participating in social activities may become limited, as individuals with low vision may feel self-conscious or encounter difficulties in communication. Coping with that impact on social activities can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation.

Treatments And Strategies For Living With Low Vision

Despite the challenges associated with low vision, there are various strategies and rehabilitation services that can enhance individuals' ability to adapt and maintain a fulfilling life. Eyeglasses, medicine, and surgery aren’t cures but can improve what vision is left, helping you do everyday activities more easily or keeping your vision from getting worse.  

More in-depth treatment options will depend on the specific eye condition that caused your low vision. And, of course, prevention and early detection are some of the best steps you can take to lower the impact or risk of eye disease and vision loss.

Common coping devices and treatments that can help individuals living with low vision include:

  • Assistive devices like magnifiers can help individuals with low vision read small print or see distant objects more clearly.
  • Orientation and mobility training provides guidance on navigating the environment safely, using mobility aids like canes or guide dogs.
  • Adaptive technology features such as screen readers, voice commands, and magnification options for computers and smartphones can help navigate modern work and social life.
  • Experimental retinal implants are being developed to restore some degree of vision in individuals with certain retinal conditions.

Low vision, while presenting significant challenges, does not need to define an individual's life. With advancements in technology, rehabilitation services, and community support, individuals with low vision can lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Asheville Vision And Wellness 

Everyone has different histories and lifestyles, making eye care needs unique. You should have an eye doctor who considers you and can give common-sense recommendations. If you think your vision is changing, schedule an appointment with Asheville Vision and Wellness today to see what experienced care with the latest technology can do for your vision needs. 

For over three decades, we have helped patients throughout western North Carolina with a wide variety of eye care, including comprehensive eye examinations, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medical eye evaluations.  We also have a wide variety of the latest eyewear, from basic to designer.

If you need a regular eye exam or think you may be at risk for eye disease or vision loss, come in and talk to our specialists today. Our optometrists are certified in diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular diseases.