What is Low Vision

Low vision is the reduction in vision that can’t be fully corrected by using conventional eyeglasses and interferes with daily activities requiring both near and far vision.


 

Low vision is different from blindness, as a blind person doesn’t have any sight at all; however a low vision patient has some remaining useful sight. A low vision person can have trouble differentiating colors of similar tone, along with images. People who’re legally blind may still have some useful vision.

Symptoms of Low Vision

The symptoms of low vision are:

  • Distant vision issues, e.g. difficulty in recognizing objects at a distance
  • Difficultly in near vision, e.g. while reading or writing
  • Trouble in differentiating colors, specially green-blue-violate range

 

Please note that these symptoms aren’t exclusive to Low Vision. However if you experience any of these symptoms or any other vision related symptoms, consult your eye care provider to get a detailed eye examination and discuss your condition including Low vision.

Causes of Low vision

Low vision can occur at any age, depending upon the underlying disease process and pathology involved. Although it’s commonly seen in elderly patients, but note that it’s not related to natural aging and is a disease process in itself.

Most age related vision disturbances include changes like presbyopia and other refractive errors in the layers of eye through which the light passes.

Common causes of low vision include:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy

 

Early detection and proper management can prevent or slow down the progress of the disease and may sometimes reverse it too.

Treatment of Low Vision

Low vision can’t be treated or managed through regular glasses. For enabling the patients with low vision, specialized glasses and other devices are designed along with life style and home modifications.

Treatment options for low vision include:

  • Optical devices to assist in vision
    • Magnifiers
    • Prism based eyeglasses
    • Telescopic and Microscopic eyeglasses
  • Techniques and skills to utilize the remaining vision
  • Life style modifications
  • Home modifications
    • Easy arrangement of furniture
    • Using contrast on stairs between alternating steps
    • Contrast on windows, doors, switches, etc.
    • Non slippery floor and rugs
    • Larger monitor or television

 

If you’re experiencing any vision related issues, consult the experts at Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA as soon as possible to get the exact diagnosis and best possible treatment for your condition. We have a 98% Success Rate With Improving Our Low Vision Patient’s Vision!

Low Vision Specialists of Maryland and Virginia believes in “Life After Vision Loss”. We bring new hope and vision to those with Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts , Glaucoma , Stargardt’s Disease , Retinitis Pigmentosa, and other vision limiting conditions.  Contact us today to schedule your FREE Low Vision Screening so we can demonstrate the power of improved vision and its life changing possibilities.

Providing Low Vision Services throughout Maryland and Virginia: Alexandria, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Fairfax, Frederick, Pikesville,  Silver Spring, Timonium, Towson, Tysons Corner, and Vienna. House Calls Available Statewide.