Through our low vision clinic we aim to optimize the vision of patients suffering from low vision. In cases where the vision cannot be improved, we aim to train the patients on how to improve their quality of life with the help of low vision aids. This typically includes addressing vision issues causing problems with reading, driving and activities of daily living.
Low vision means having impaired vision that cannot be corrected by glasses, surgery or medication.
What causes low vision? – Some of the most common causes of low vision include age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, and glaucoma. Low vision may also result from cancer of the eye, albinism, brain injury, or inherited disorders of the eye including retinitis pigmentosa. What is the definition of low vision?
A typical low vision evaluation involves a functional assessment including a low vision refraction to find out the problem and its extent. Once the impairment is identified, suitable vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopes and other appropriate assistive technologies are prescribed to maximize the patient’s vision. The patient is then gradually trained on how to use the low vision aids to conduct various daily activities. In addition, visual skills training such as eccentric viewing, blindness skills and referrals to comprehensive blind rehabilitation centers are provided.
Who is most at risk of having low vision?
Anyone can be affected by low vision because it results from a variety of conditions and injuries. Because of age-related disorders like macular degeneration and glaucoma, low vision is more common in adults over age 45 and even more common in adults over age 75. For example, one in six adults over age 45 has low vision; one in four adults over age 75 has low vision.
The most common types of low vision include:
What causes low vision?
There may be one or more causes of low vision. These are usually the result of disorders or injuries affecting the eye or a disorder such as diabetes that affects the entire body. Some of the most common causes of low vision include age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, and glaucoma. Low vision may also result from cancer of the eye, albinism, brain injury, or inherited disorders of the eye including retinitis pigmentosa. If you have these disorders or are at risk for them, you are also at greater risk for low vision.