Low Vision Can Make Even Simple Tasks Difficult

Low vision is a condition caused by a number of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinopathy, in which your eyesight is 20/70 or lower in your stronger eye. It is a broad term that can mean a significant or total loss of your central or peripheral vision, hazy or blurry vision, poor low-light vision, loss of light sensitivity and/or loss of contrast. Reading, writing, watching TV, driving, or even recognizing the faces of loved ones may be difficult or even impossible for a person with this common condition.

Although this condition usually impacts the elderly, it can really affect anyone of any age. Combine this with the fact that it cannot be fully remedied by eyeglasses, contacts, medicines or eye surgery, and you have a situation that can seriously affect a person in a very negative and debilitating way.

Since low vision cannot be fully corrected, a person with low vision must learn ways to continue to function independently with the sight still available to them. Many people with low vision become very dependent on friends and family, and become ashamed of their increased inability to do things for themselves. It is important for you to know that even if you suffer from low vision, there are options for you to regain and maintain your independence.