Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. In February, Low Vision Awareness Month brings much-needed attention to an often-overlooked aspect of eye health.
Impact of low vision on daily routine activities
The condition makes it difficult to perform everyday activities (e.g., driving, reading, recognizing faces, differentiating colors, or seeing the computer or television screen). People with low vision may experience poor night vision, blind spots, problems from glare, or even complete loss of sight.
Magnitude:
Today, more than 35 million persons are visually -impaired in India and this makes it an important event in eye care treatment. This can be reduced once the initial disease stage of blindness is checked correctly.
Category of Low Vision Types as Per National Health Institute
1. Peripheral vision loss. It is a vision loss when someone cannot see out the corners of your eyes. (cannot drive, difficulty to move in new space)
2. Central vision loss. It is a type of vision loss wherein the individual cannot see the center-placed objects, and all the facades seem like blurry clumps in the middle with more precise details on the exterior. (cannot identify face)
3. Night blindness. When a person cannot see in twilight or low-light situations like driving a car at night, it becomes challenging or impossible because he cannot see the roadway markings.
4. Blurry or hazy vision. When details of objects or printed words appear blurry or cloudy, you cannot make out letters (tiny print). (cannot read newspaper, books, difficult to recognize currency)
Causes of Low Vision
Although the incidence of low vision increases with age, people may develop low vision at any age. Older adults are more likely to develop eye disorders that cause low vision, including:
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
Common causes of low vision in younger people include:
• Genetic eye disorders: Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Eye or brain trauma
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases
Diagnosing Low Vision
Regular eye exams can detect low vision early. During this eye exam, you will read letters up close and far away to determine how well you see things in your center and peripheral vision. You’ll also be dilated with special eye drops, allowing your doctor to view your widened pupils and assess symptoms of certain conditions that could lead to low vision.
Low Vision Treatment
Treatment for low vision primarily depends on its underlying cause. Talk to your ophthalmologist to learn about interventions that could improve your sight or help protect your remaining vision.
Low Vision devices:
Optical Magnifiers: Include handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers (placed on reading material), and bar/dome magnifiers for improved print clarity.
Magnifying Spectacles (Microscopes): High-plus lenses worn as glasses for hands-free, close-up work like reading or threading needles.
Telescopes: Handheld or spectacle-mounted (bioptic) devices used for distance viewing, such as reading signs or watching television.
Video Magnifiers (CCTVs): Electronic devices that use a camera to display magnified, high-contrast text on a screen, with options for portable or desktop use.
Non-Optical Devices: These include large-print books, audiobooks, talking watches, high-contrast items, and increased lighting (lamps).
Filter Lenses: Special tinted lenses designed to improve contrast sensitivity and reduce light sensitivity.
Selection Factors
Choosing the right device depends on the user’s specific visual needs (distance vs. near), the cause of vision loss, and manual dexterity.
Schedule a Consultation for Low Vision with us
In honor of Low Vision Awareness Month, schedule a dilated eye exam with us. Regular eye exams are essential to maintaining your vision. Let’s all try to spread the word about vision repair and how to get more health tips to keep your eyes healthy.
