Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, can be easily corrected with contact lenses, eyeglasses and different forms of medication. Some eye conditions like low vision, however, can’t be treated using standard eyewear and surgery. To better understand this visual impairment, Opti-Care, an eyeglasses specialist in this area, explains what causes low vision.
What Is Low Vision?
People are considered to have low vision when their best-corrected visual acuity worsens to more than 20/70 in the better eye. They may also experience tunnel vision due to significant visual field loss in the periphery. In worst cases, they may be considered legally blind. A recent study shows that 2.3% of people over 16 years old have a visual disability or low vision.
What causes low vision? Eye diseases, such as cataract, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, often trigger this visual impairment. Heredity and injuries, however, can also result in low vision.
Impact of Low Vision
Childhood vision problems and eye injuries can cause low vision. A child with a visual impairment may have learning problems that could affect their school performance and development. Adults, on the other hand, may find low vision frustrating because they have a hard time reading, driving, watching television and viewing a computer screen. Fortunately, an eye doctor can recommend low vision devices, which can help a patient overcome this eyesight problem.
Low Vision Devices
Low vision cannot be corrected by standard eyewear or medical treatment, but it can be managed with special devices, such as lighted handheld magnifiers and bioptic telescopes. Newer devices have text-to-speech and magnification features that simplify computer use. Special eyewear with tinted UV filters can also help manage light sensitivity and heighten contrast. Note that a patient with low vision may have to use two or more devices to help them with their daily activities.
Turn to Opti-Care for your low vision care and dry eye treatments. For 36 years, we have made it our top priority to tend to the special care needs of our patients using cutting-edge technology. Call us today at (410) 600-3173 to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Westminster, MD, and other nearby locations.