What is Low Vision?

There are several causes behind low vision. Yet as the Mayo Clinic explains, the most common one is macular degeneration (AMD), an age-related disease that impacts the central portion of the visual field, leading to a reduced sense of sight.

However, other causes of low vision include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetes

If you are unsure if you suffer from low vision as a senior, it is important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms associated with this ocular condition.

The AAO indicates that symptoms of low vision include difficulties while:

• Reading
• Using computers or smartphones
• Watching television 
• Driving
• Seeing dials and switches

Also, since there are different causes of low vision, different types of vision impairments are associated with different areas and perspectives of the eye. Here is a quick point of reference that can indicate the cause of your own vision impairment:

• Central vision allows you to see the fine details of an object while looking at it. Impairments with this type of vision are associated with macular degeneration.
• Peripheral vision permits you to see the edges outside of your point of focus. People with glaucoma tend to experience issues with their peripheral vision first.
• Contrast sensitivity is necessary to differentiate objects that are similar in tone, such as a white picture frame on a white wall ·         or to point out facial features. The AAO explains that most eye problems affect contrast sensitivity, no matter the cause. 
• Depth perception involves gauging where objects are within a given space, such as when you reach for an item on your coffee table or make sure you do not proceed from the curb before the light turns green and the walk signal comes on. Vision loss in one eye, as well as different levels of brain damage, can negatively impact depth perception.

Again, while the typical treatments for vision impairments—including prescription glasses, contact lenses, medications, and surgery—unfortunately cannot correct low vision, remember that you do not need to struggle, as a range of different strategies and tools are available to assist you.

As the American Council for the Blind shares, there are several simple fixes that seniors can and should adopt to improve their sense of sight and maintain their quality of life, such as:

• Installing task lights and track lights in dark areas, such as in cabinets and along poorly lit pathways
• Keeping lights on when reading or doing tasks that require enhanced vision capabilities
• Installing safety bars in bathrooms and pathways as needed
• Arranging your home so it is free of clutter and potential hazards

However, depending on the severity of low vision, you may need to reevaluate your ability to drive. If you can no longer drive safely due to low vision, be sure to discuss your options and mobility alternatives with your Heal provider, as well as your family and/or caretaker.

Then, in addition to making the adjustments outlined above, you can boost your vision by:

• Using electronic vision aids that can enlarge type and/or convert type to audio
• Wearing special “half-eye” glasses tailored for your specific vision impairments
• Purchasing magnifiers, which are available in a range of options (handheld, wearable, and otherwise), including those with built-in light
• Using small telescopes or binoculars to assist with long-range viewing

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