Low Vision

Hand magnifiers.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult or impossible. When vision cannot be improved, people with low vision need help to learn how to make the most of their remaining sight.

Risk Factors

Low vision can be caused by eye injuries or by diseases such as:

• Macular degeneration;
• Glaucoma;
• Diabetic retinopathy; or 
• Retinitis pigmentosa.

These conditions can occur at any age, but are more common in older people.

Preventative Measures

The key to maintaining as much vision as possible is visiting your ophthalmologist regularly. An eye examination can diagnose eye diseases that can cause low vision, and treatments may be possible to prevent the development of low vision.

When low vision cannot be prevented or treated, there are a number of strategies and resources that can help a person with low vision lead an independent, productive life.

Low Vision Resources

Vision rehabilitation can help people compensate for their vision loss by learning new strategies to complete daily tasks. Low vision aids can help make tasks easier. Some of the low vision aids that are available include: 

• Magnifying spectacles;
• Hand magnifiers; 
• Large-print books; 
• Talking watches; and 
• Computers that magnify printed materials.

Good lighting and control of glare are very important for most people with low vision. For example: 

• A bright light close to reading material often improves vision. 
• In dimly lit areas, stronger light bulbs can make tasks like cooking, dressing and walking up or down stairs easier. 
• Wearing a hat with a wide brim or tinted, wrap-around sunglasses can shield eyes from dazzling and annoying overhead lights or sunlight.

For more information and resources on Low Vision, use the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Smart Sight materials.