WHAT IS LOW VISION?

Low vision could be defined as best corrected vision which is insufficient to do what you want to do. There are two parts to the definition:

1. the amount of vision- in the better eye, with best glasses.
2. the task- what it is that the person wants to do but cannot. For example, reading, writing, driving, playing cards, and taking medication. There are many tasks which patients with low vision want to do but cannot. All are addressed in the low vision evaluation.

For a person to benefit from Low Vision Care, there must be a degree of usable vision, and a goal to do a visual task.

Most Low Vision patients have reduced vision from macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma, inoperable cataracts, and genetic defects.

Questioning of the patient takes longer, and is far more specific in the Low Vision Evaluation. The Low Vision specialist must determine the level of visual functioning of the patient, and create a 'wish list' of the tasks that the patient would like help with. Usually, the list includes:

• driving
• reading
• writing
• seeing prices, labels, dials, and menus.
• Some would like to return to work and need help in seeing the computer screen, or other occupation-related tasks.
• Some have hobbies such as playing piano, knitting, bingo, or oil painting!

The Low Vision specialist prescribes optical and non-optical devices, including magnifying eyeglasses, telescopes, hand and stand magnifiers, electronic visual aids, glare control and enhancing filters, and contact lenses, to improve everyday living. Training in the use of such devices is critical to the successful use of remaining vision.

Back to Top

Home