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As we age, our eyes change, and we need to see an eye care professional about these changes. Many of these changes in vision can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. But if your eye care professional does a full exam and tells you that your vision cannot be fully corrected by ordinary prescription lenses, medical treatment, or surgery, and you still have some usable vision, you have what is called "low vision."
Among older persons, low vision can result from specific eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, or from a stroke. Low vision may affect your ability to see people's faces or watch television, to read, to drive, and even to match colors. For a better understanding of how these conditions affect your vision, you and your family members may want to view the vision simulation video.
What You Should Know About Low Vision
Having "low vision" is not the same as being "blind." For example, your doctor may tell you that you have a spot in the center of your vision that limits your ability to read or see people's faces, but you will still be able to get around using your side vision. Or you may have vision loss in the periphery of your vision but still see clearly enough to read through use of central vision.
The important thing is to know that there is help. For example, there are low vision professionals who can provide you a low vision exam as a first step in determining how you can use your remaining vision. Often, these professionals will have recommendations on devices and low vision services that can help you to maximize your remaining vision and learn new ways of doing everyday tasks.
Some examples of helpful devices that a low vision professional can discuss with you include:
- illuminated stand magnifiers or electronic aids for reading;
- strong glasses or loupes for seeing the computer screen, sheet music, or for sewing;
- telescopic glasses or monoculars for seeing TV, faces, signs, or other items at distance;
- glare shields for reducing glare yet enhancing contrast; and
- non-optical devices for helping with daily living tasks such as in the kitchen or bathroom.
Low Vision Services Include:
- training to use the aforementioned optical and electronic devices correctly;
- training to help people use their remaining vision more effectively, such as looking to one side to see around the spot that may be near the center of their vision, due to macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy;
- improving illumination and enhancing contrast in each area of the home and with all tasks;
- providing a link with a counselor or a support group, to help deal with feelings related to decrease in vision; and
- learning about other helpful resources in the community and state, such as vision rehabilitation services or free Library for the Blind services
To learn about low vision services that are available to you in your area, use AFB's Directory of Services to find out about help in your state and local area. You can also check the section on types of eye care professionals on AFB Senior Site to learn more about what they do.
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