3b Low vision
While how you function in the world may be of secondary interest to your doctor, it is surely your primary concern. If you are facing vision problems that medical intervention can not reverse, there is much you can do to optimize your vision and maximize your quality of life.
What is low vision?
Low vision is impairment to vision that significantly impacts your functioning. Low vision refers to vision loss that can not be sufficiently corrected with conventional lenses (glasses or contact lenses) nor controlled with medical or surgical intervention.
It is often a loss of sharpness or acuity but may present as a loss of field of vision, light sensitivity, distorted vision or loss of contrast. Low vision often may occur as a result of birth defects, injury, the aging process or as a complication of disease.
Someone with low vision may have severely reduced visual acuity, loss of contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, or a significantly obstructed field of vision. Or an combination of these.
Low vision can occur as a result of complication from eye disease or conditions, injury, and/or birth defects.
“Do I have low vision?”
The information and questions offered in this module can help you determine whether you have or might have low vision, as well as how to seek professional assessment and assistance.