Low vision is vision loss that cannot be corrected with prescription eye glasses, contacts or surgery. This type of vision loss is usually degenerative and does not include complete blindness, because there is still some limited sight. The most common causes are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes.
The Most Common Types of Low Vision Include
- Loss of central vision: There is a blind spot in the center of one’s vision.
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision: The inability to see anything to either side, above, or below eye level. Central vision, however, remains intact.
- Night blindness: The inability to see in poorly lit areas such as theaters, as well as outside at night.
- Blurred vision: Objects both near and far appear out of focus.
- Hazy vision: The entire field of vision appears to be covered with a film or glare.
The good news is, in many cases, the vision you have left can be improved with the use of therapy and new technology that includes special glasses and visual aids.