Low vision

Low vision is a common eye problem that makes everyday activities difficult. Contact lenses, glasses and other standard treatments like surgery or medicine cannot correct it.

You may have low vision if you can’t see properly while doing things like:

• Reading
• Driving
• Differentiating colours
• Recognising people’s faces
• Seeing your computer screen or television

Types of low vision

The type of low vision you have depends on the condition or disease that causes the low vision. The most common types of low vision are:

• Hazy or blurry vision
• Night blindness (inability to see in low light)
• Central vision loss (inability to see with your centre vision)
• Peripheral vision loss (inability to see from the corners of your eyes)

Causes of low vision

Several eye conditions can cause low vision, but the most common low vision causes include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy (a condition that results in vision loss in people who have diabetes)

Low vision usually affects older people because many diseases that may result in low vision are more common in older adults. Only ageing doesn’t cause low vision.

Brain and eye injuries and some genetic disorders may also cause low vision.

How can my doctor diagnose low vision?

Your eye doctor can diagnose low vision during a dilated eye exam. This exam is simple and painless. The eye doctor will ask you to read some letters far away and up close and will check if you can see with the sides and centre of your vision.

The doctor will give you dilating eye drops to widen your pupils and check for other eye issues, including those that may cause low vision.

Treatment for low vision

Low vision is usually permanent. Medicine, eyeglasses and surgery cannot cure low vision but may improve vision, help you perform daily activities easily, or prevent your vision from worsening.

Your treatment option will depend on the eye condition responsible for low vision. Consult your eye doctor for treatments that can help improve and protect your vision.

How can I make the most of my sight?

If you have low vision, several options are available to help you make the most of your vision and do things easily.

Making small changes may help improve your vision if you have a minor low vision. These include:

• Wearing anti-glare sunglasses
• Using brighter lights at work or home
• Using a magnifying lens while reading and other up-close activities

If your vision affects your daily activities, consult your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. You can learn how to live with your vision loss with a specialist’s help. This can include:

• Guidance when setting up your home, so you can move around easily
• Training on how to use magnifying devices while reading
• Sharing resources that help in coping with vision loss

Our specialist at Optimal Vision can help you maximise your vision if you have low vision. Visit our clinic or call us on 020 7183 3725 to book an appointment for an eye exam. You can also schedule an appointment for your regular eye exams.