Low Vision Awareness Month

February is Low Vision Awareness Month. This is a cause that could definitely benefit from having some light shining on it. Low vision can have a dramatic effect on one’s day-to-day activities, and can impact nearly all aspects of a person’s life. Read on as a local (geo keyword here) optometrist offers some insight about low vision.

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision isn’t one specific condition: it’s an umbrella term for poor vision. Low vision can be caused by many different eye conditions and diseases. Although some vision issues can be corrected by vision wear or through surgery, low vision tends to be permanent.

Here in the U.S., the term low vision also includes those who may have been classified as being partially sighted or legally blind. The distinction is particularly important here, as the exact diagnosis and terminology recorded may be used to determine whether one is eligible for certain benefits or services.

How Bad Is Low Vision?

Low vision can cover many different vision issues. There’s also quite a spectrum as far as the range of vision loss. Some of those under the low vision umbrella may only have minor issues, while others may be nearly blind.

Low vision may manifest in many different ways. It can affect central and/or peripheral vision; depth perception; night vision; contrast sensitivity; and glare resistance. Low vision may also include things like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other refractive errors. 

How Do I Cope With Low Vision?

Part of the reason that this awareness month is so important is because it gives us a chance to offer support to those who are struggling with low vision. Low vision can have a drastic effect on one’s life and independence. Finding out that you have low vision, which is nearly always permanent, can be devastating!

Here are a few suggestions:

Enlist Professional Help: There are many agencies and organizations that can provide support to those coping with low vision. The exact recommendations may vary from person to person. One person who is emotionally distraught and overwhelmed by learning they have low vision may benefit from grief counseling. Another may need more pragmatic guidance, such as tips on household setup and day-to-day activities. 

Help may come in many forms. An occupational therapist may help with finding new work or new skills, while a mobility specialist may have valuable advice on getting around. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Find Peers: Low vision is far from uncommon. In fact, 2023 data from the National Health Interview Survey revealed that nearly 52 million American adults reported having trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses. 307,000 are unable to see anything at all. That means there are plenty of others out there who are facing the same struggles, and many who have learned to cope and thrive. Finding those who can relate can literally feel like a lifeline—or perhaps more succinctly, a light in the dark—to those struggling to adjust to living with low vision.

Seek Inner Peace: For the most part, we’ll leave advice about the benefits of things like meditation and yoga to others. However, it is important to find a healthy mindset about vision problems. Many do find that mindfulness can make a huge difference. There are many resources available, such as the American Foundation For The Blind. 

Is Low Vision Permanent? 

While some eye conditions are treatable, most of the time, low vision is permanent. It ultimately is going to depend on the issue, and how far along it is. Ask your eye doctor for specific advice. 

What Vision Range Counts As Low Vision?

Vision is always measured on a specific scale, the Snellen Chart. This measures visual acuity. As you may know, 20/20 is considered normal. It’s perhaps not as typical as we would like: only about 35% of people have 20/20 vision without the aid of glasses, surgery, or contacts.

That vision scale is based on the accuracy of your vision, which is always recorded at a set distance: 20 feet. That is what the first number in the score means. That indicates that one is standing 20 feet away from the object they are looking at. The second number measures how far away someone with normal (20/20) vision would have to be to see the object with the same focus and clarity as you. So you would need to stand 30 feet away to see things the same way someone with 20/30 vision sees at 20 feet.

To break it down a bit further, anyone whose vision falls between about 20/30 and 20/60 is categorized as having mild vision loss. Someone with 20/70 to 20/160 vision is considered to have moderate visual impairment, while someone with 20/200 is severely impaired. 20/500 to 20/1000 is profound vision loss. Anything less than 20/1000 is near-total or total blindness. 

What Are The Causes Of Low Vision? 

Low vision can be caused by many health issues. Some are inherited, while others may come about as the result of illness or injury. The most common reasons are refractive errors, which involve the way the eye processes light. Many refractive errors can be treated, but will continue to worsen if not addressed. 

Here are a few of the common causes: 

• Glaucoma
• Retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

• Nystagmus
• Retinal detachment
• Optic atrophy

• Eye Injuries
• Traumatic Brain injuries
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Cancer

Those are just a few of the possible issues. Keep in mind that many eye problems are only treatable up to a certain point. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your eye exams, and visit your eye doctor regularly. If you notice any symptoms, such as blurred vision, contact your eye care center right away. 

What Are Some Tips For Living With Low Vision? 

Low vision will impact nearly every area of one’s life, but it doesn’t mean giving up one’s autonomy and independence. Small habits can go a long way here! 

Here are a few tips: 

• Get Good Lighting! Using higher-wattage bulbs and adding extra lamps can help you see better at home.
• Keep flashlights handy in various spots around the house.
• Use smart house technology, such as Alexa, when possible.
• High-contrast rugs, runners, and towels will stand out more.
• Use handheld or stand magnifiers for close work such as reading.
• Use voice-to-text and audio features on phones and computers.
• You may also want to consider getting a service dog. These highly trained dogs have proven invaluable when it comes to helping the visually-impaired! 

Ask your (geo keyword) optometrist for more tips on living with low vision. 

Conclusion: Low vision is a term for eye problems that have caused a moderate to severe loss of vision, which is usually permanent. Low vision can drastically affect one’s ability to drive, work, cook, and eat, but that doesn’t mean giving up independence or autonomy. There are many different options and strategies for helping those with low vision lead full, independent lives. 

Make An Appointment At Our Vision Care Center

Are you looking for a great optometrist in the area? Please do not hesitate to contact us today. As your local  (geo keyword) eye care center, we are dedicated to your vision, health, and happiness.