Low vision is defined as acuity of 20/60 corrected in the best eye or peripheral vision of less than 20 degrees. In other words, low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery, an individual still has difficulty seeing.
Everyday tasks, such as reading, shopping, cooking, watching television and writing can seem challenging.
Signs that can signal vision loss:
- Difficulty doing things that require seeing well up close, such as reading, cooking, sewing, or fixing things around the house
- Reading the instructions on medication
- Difficulty picking out and coordinating the color of clothes
- Finding it hard doing things at work or home because lights seem dimmer than usual
- Unable to read street and bus signs or the names of stores
Vision changes like these could be early warning signs of eye disease. The earlier the problem is diagnosed, the better the chance of getting successful treatment and keeping the remaining vision. It is important to visit an eye care professional regularly. This way, the doctor can diagnose any vision problems early.
Is losing vision just part of getting older?
No. Though some vision changes do occur as people get older, these changes do not necessarily lead to low vision. The following causes are a few that lead to low vision:
- eye diseases and health conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy
- eye injuries
- birth defects
An eye care professional can tell the difference between normal changes in the aging eye and those caused by eye disease.
When should a patient come to Vision Rehabilitation Services?
When there are no other avenues to pursue medically or surgically for the patient, VRS will conduct a comprehensive Low Vision Examination and will offer a wide array of proven techniques to help the patient maximize their usable vision with the goal of living independently in their environments.
