Low Vision
The term Low vision refers to a situation in which, vision cannot be restored to levels required to perform activities of daily living with conventional eyeglasses or contact lenses. Activities of daily living may vary with the individual, and include actions such as reading the newspaper, reading mail, recognizing faces, balancing a checkbook, writing, or watching television. Millions of people lose some of their vision every year, making these activities difficult to achieve.
Low vision is most frequently caused by an eye disease, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma . Trauma or birth defects can also cause low vision. While vision that has been lost cannot be restored, many people can make the most of their remaining vision through the use of low vision devices.
Most low vision devices use the concept of magnification to assist patients with activities of daily living. Hand held magnifiers are one of the most common types of low vision devices. These can provide magnification at normal reading distance, but require the use of one hand to hold the magnifier. Stand magnifiers are similar to hand held magnifiers, but are easier to manipulate since they are on a fixed base. Other low vision devices include high power spectacles, which look more like regular reading glasses, but which require a very short reading distance. Telescopic devices can also be used to help patients make the most of their remaining vision.
To determine the most appropriate low vision device for an individual patient, an evaluation by a qualified low vision specialist is required. These specialists are familiar with the different types of low vision devices, as well as the many services and resources available to assist patients with low vision.