People with low vision can visit a low vision clinic for help adjusting to their new life with reduced sight. As we age, our vision naturally gets worse. But if you or a loved one is dealing with serious issues related to your sight, there are many causes and ways to treat them.
What is low vision?
Low vision is a vision problem that affects someone’s ability to see things in normal vision. Vision is information that comes from the eyes, just like sound and light. It can be the result of eye disease, blindness or injuries, and it may make normal life more difficult for people with low vision. Why does low vision happen? Low vision can happen for many reasons, including: Vision loss – Low vision can be a side effect of diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vision loss can also be caused by injuries to the eye, eye injuries or infection. Vision disorders – Some vision disorders can cause you to struggle to see in everyday life. Vision disorders include things like central vision loss (CNV), poor peripheral vision, visual hallucinations, and dry eyes.
Causes of Low Vision
People with low vision have vision that doesn’t improve much with age and may be even harder to get better when it’s severe. Many people have their vision so bad they can’t read or drive. Others have vision so poor they can’t even see to walk. Vision problems can range from pain and redness in the eye to total blindness. In some cases, changes in the retina or other eye structures cause problems with vision. Some symptoms of low vision are: One eye is worse than the other. One side of your vision is blurry. All of your vision is blurred except for one tiny point of sharp clarity (a “center”) in one eye. You’re missing things even when you can see clearly. Focusing on one point can make your eyes feel tired or sore. You’re having problems seeing what’s right in front of you.
How to identify a low vision clinic
One of the first things to do is ask your doctor what’s causing your issues. Then, visit a low vision clinic for help adjusting to your new life with reduced sight.
What is the Low Vision Clinic Treatment?
The Low Vision Clinic offers a wide range of low vision treatments, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, stereo equipment, and rehabilitation. Before you start any treatment, your eyesight levels should be assessed by an ophthalmologist. This checkup can be done at the low vision clinic. When you visit, your ophthalmologist can determine which glasses or lenses you need. Contact lenses are also one of the ways to enhance your vision. Contact lenses are made to fit your eyes and are adjusted to fit your eye pressure. Some companies provide nonprescription contact lenses. Contact lenses are a helpful solution for people who find that certain lenses strain their eyes. It’s not recommended to wear contact lenses without first seeing a doctor.
How to prepare for your visit to the Low Vision Clinic
First, decide if you’re dealing with a medical condition or can simply reduce your visual distractions and enjoy life. A low vision clinic will help with the following: Adjusting to life without vision How to prepare for low vision visits If you’re seeing a physician or a vision specialist, they’ll work to bring you up to speed on the diagnosis and treatment plan for your condition. During this initial visit, your physician will provide you with education on your diagnosis and provide a comprehensive list of options and procedures to follow. Find the right low vision specialist After you understand your diagnosis, it’s time to find a qualified physician or vision specialist to help you further with treatment.
Tips for living with low vision
- What’s with the dark glasses?
If you need reading glasses, opt for polarized or lighted lenses.
- Increase your enjoyment of life
Volunteer to teach in a summer camp for the blind, or volunteer in a local school for the blind. Take some classes at your local university for adults with low vision.
- Don’t let your sight limitations limit you
Adjust to your new life with your vision impaired, and make a living in spite of it. For tips on how to deal with blindness in the modern world, check out the book The Blind Side.
- Be honest with doctors
Tell your doctor if you want a hearing aid or a white cane. They’ll give you the right tools to help you deal with your loss of vision.
