Low Vision

During normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea, then passes through the pupil and the lens, focusing in a small area on the retina at the back of the eye. While people with low vision have less useable vision, they almost always are not totally blind. Low vision is the inability to see well, regardless of attempts to correct vision through the use of prescription lenses, surgery, or other medical treatments. A person with low vision has severely reduced visual acuity or a significantly obstructed field of vision - or both. Low vision can be the result of a birth defect, injury, or eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma. Persons with low vision can experience: an overall blurred image, a loss of central (straight-ahead) vision - making it difficult to identify objects directly in front of the person, a loss of peripheral, or side vision. Depending on the eye condition, low vision can exist in any combination of the three forms described. There are many different products available for people with low vision, such as special lenses, magnifiers, high intensity lamps and telescopes. A low vision specialist can prescribe the appropriate devices for you.