What is low vision?
Low vision is a term that refers to a significant visual impairment that can’t be fixed with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. People with low vision have some sight available, but typically have difficulty with side vision and blind spots.
What causes low vision?
Low vision is most often the result of eye disease, genetic birth defects, injury, or old age.
Some of the more common causes of low vision include:
What are the symptoms of low vision?
It’s common for individuals with low vision to experience symptoms such as:
- Loss of central vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Extreme difficulty seeing at night
- Poor depth perception
- Glare sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Hazy vision
How is low vision diagnosed?
Only a licensed eye care specialist can diagnose low vision. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if vision problems prevent you from doing routine activities such as reading, driving, working, or going to school. During your exam, your doctor will use specialized equipment and tests to evaluate your visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision.
How is low vision treated?
While some patients can have their vision restored or maintained while receiving treatment for eye disease, low vision results in permanent vision loss. There are, however, visual aids that can help make daily life a little easier for people with low vision.
Some popular devices include:
- Hand-held and stand magnifying glasses
- Strongly magnified reading glasses
- Electronic magnifying systems
- Reading stands
- Glare-resistant sunglasses
Computer technology can also assist low vision patients. Text-reading and voice-to-text software on mobile devices and tablets are just a few advanced features that may be helpful for people with significant visual impairment.
Regular rehabilitation sessions with a low vision specialist can also provide important skills for adjusting to low vision and performing daily tasks.
What to expect from a low vision specialist
Low vision specialists are licensed doctors of optometry or ophthalmology who are trained to examine and manage patients with significant visual impairments. The goal of a low vision specialist is not to offer a cure for low vision, but to provide education and rehabilitation services that teach the patient how to utilize their remaining vision to its fullest potential.
A visit to a low vision specialist may include a low vision evaluation, training on how to complete visual tasks, education on how to choose a low vision device, or personalized therapy for how to cope with depression or anxiety that manifests as a result of severe vision loss.
👁️ Did you know? Your pupils are like windows, playing a crucial role in your vision health. They naturally widen in dim lighting to let more light in. But sometimes, they dilate unexpectedly and it can have various causes, such as:
💊 Medications and recreational drugs
💥 Eye & head injuries
🏥 Medical conditions such as migraines, tumors, and Adie's Syndrome.
🦠 Other rare conditions such as microvascular cranial nerve palsy (MCNP) and Benign Episodic Unilateral Mydriasis (BEUM).
Remember, if you experience unusual pupil dilation, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. 👩⚕️👨⚕️ #EyeHealthMatters #PupilPower #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute #WednesdayWellness ... See MoreSee Less
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👁️ Embracing Healthy Aging Month with 4 Eye-Catching Tips! 👴👵🌟
Let's make sure our windows to the world stay bright and clear for years to come! 🌎💙#healthyaging #eyehealth #agegracefully #bennetteyeinstitute #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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Expand your knowledge with a fun eye fact! Did you know how powerful your eyes are? 🧠💡 Share this amazing fact with your friends! 🤓✨ #FunFactFriday #eyefacts #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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🙏 Gratitude in Words 🙌
A heartfelt thanks to our incredible patient for taking the time to share their testimonial. Your kind words warm our hearts and inspire us to continue providing the best care possible. 💙 #thankyou #patienttestimonial #grateful #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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👓 Protect those your eyes for years to come! In honor of healthy aging month, here are 5 tips to help you reduce the risk of cataracts and keep your eyes healthy:
😎 Shield from the Sun: Rock those stylish shades to block harmful UV rays and fend off cataract risks.
🍏 Nourish Your Eyes: Load up on colorful fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants to support your eye health.
🚭 Kick the Habit: Stub out that cigarette! Quitting smoking can decrease the chances of cataract development.
🩸 Manage Diabetes: If you're dealing with diabetes, keeping those blood sugar levels in check can lower your risk.
👁️🗨️ Check-in with an Eye Pro: Regular eye check-ups are a must. Stay on top of your eye health game!
While these tips can help, genetics and age also play a role. Consult one of our doctors for personalized advice. Stay vigilant and keep those eyes sparkling for years to come! ✨ #eyehealth #cataractprevention #healthyhabits #HealthyAgingMonth #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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👁️ Seeing Clearly, Living Brightly! 👀✨ Remember, proper lens care is key! Follow these tips to ensure your eyes stay sparkling and comfortable all day long. Let's show our eyes some love! 💙🔍 #contactlenscare #healthyeyeshappyyou #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute #WednesdayWellness ... See MoreSee Less
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