Low vision can affect anyone, regardless of age, and it can be a challenging condition to manage. If you or a loved one is having trouble seeing clearly, even with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, low vision may be to blame. Learn more about this condition and how it can be managed with the right treatment options.
What does “low vision” mean?
Low vision is a significant reduction in vision that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Low vision is not the same as blindness. People with low vision still have some usable sight, but it may be impaired enough to make everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult.
Low vision can be caused by a variety of factors, often including age-related conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts. It can also occur due to injury, birth defects, or other health issues.
What low vision looks like
Low vision looks different for everyone. Some people have trouble seeing close-up objects, while others may struggle with distance vision. For some, it’s hard to see clearly in low-light conditions or glare. Common signs of low vision include:
- Blurry vision, even with corrective lenses
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Blind spots in central vision
- Trouble distinguishing colors or seeing in dim light
- Glare sensitivity
- Difficulty with tasks like reading, sewing, or recognizing faces
At Family Eyecare of Orange, we can diagnose low vision during your routine wellness exam and recommend treatment options to make the most of your remaining vision. Our exams include specialized tests to determine the severity of vision loss, as well as an assessment of how it affects your daily activities.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low vision, reach out to our experts and schedule an eye exam in Orange, CT today.
How to treat low vision
Although low vision cannot be fully corrected, there are many ways to help people manage the condition and improve their quality of life. At Family Eyecare of Orange, we offer a variety of low vision aids in Orange, CT that can help make everyday tasks easier.
Hand-held magnifiers are perfect for reading small print, while stand magnifiers provide hands-free support for reading books or newspapers. Spectacle magnifiers also offer a hands-free solution, and telescopic vision aids are helpful for both close-up and distance tasks. We also provide absorptive filters to reduce glare and video magnifiers for extended magnification with adjustable contrast.
Conclusion
Living with low vision can be challenging, but with the right support and solutions, it’s possible to continue enjoying daily activities and maintain independence. If you’re experiencing any signs of low vision or need help managing an existing condition, schedule an appointment with our experts today. We’re here to help you see the world more clearly and enjoy life to the fullest!