Low Vision
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. It is not the same as blindness. Unlike a person who is blind, a person with low vision has some useful sight. However, low vision usually interferes with the performance of daily activities.
What are the symptoms of Low Vision?
- Difficulty recognizing objects at a distance (signs, etc.)
- Difficulty differentiating colors (particularly in the green-blue-violet range)
- Difficulty seeing well up close (reading, etc.)
How do we treat low vision?
When vision cannot be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine or surgery, people with low vision need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence. Losing vision does not mean giving up your activities, but it does mean finding new ways of doing them. These lifestyle changes may include environmental modifications to maximize independence and improve safety in your home, use of devices such as magnifiers and large print reading materials, and use of non-optical aids including computer software and talking watches. Your SMO ophthalmologist or optometrist can help evaluate and direct you if you are having trouble with low vision.