What is low vision?
Low vision is vision loss that prevents a person from doing something they wish to do, that cannot be corrected with prescription eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery.
What are the symptoms of low vision?
Loss of central vision, night blindness, loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, and hazy vision.
What causes low vision?
The most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts, stroke, and inherited eye disease.
Can low vision be corrected?
The good news is, in many cases, the vision you have remaining can be improved with the use of high powered telescopic eyeglasses other special glasses, low vision devices and low vision rehabilitation therapy.
Can lighting affect your vision?
Definitely. Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience problems. The best lighting for your vison is blue-light safe lighting.
What is a low vision specialist?
A low vision specialist is a licensed Doctor of Optometry or ophthalmology with additional specialized training in low vision. This training enables them to help individuals with limited visual ability optimize their remaining vision through lifestyle changes, therapy, and optical devices.
What are low vision glasses?
Low vision glasses are wearable low vision aids designed to help the visually impaired with close-up visual tasks and distance viewing such as reading, watching TV, stitching, and other recreational activities. These hands-free devices make it possible to easily move about and do the things you wish to do.
Can supplements help your vision?
Yes, but more so for age-related macular degeneration. Research has shown that people with AMD might benefit from taking specific vitamins. The National Eye Institute updated their guidelines recently for AMD in their study called the AREDS 2 (Age Related Eye Disease) study. The study shows that certain vitamins may slow and have a positive impact on the progression of macular degeneration.
Can I live a normal life with low vision?
Yes. People with low vision can often regain or maintain their independence and quality of life through low vision services that include low vision devices, therapy, and nutrition counseling.