What is Low Vision

• Low vision is a condition in which a person loses part of their vision, most often due to an eye disease or trauma. These people may also be called 'visually impaired' or, sometimes, 'legally blind'. The most common causes of low vision are degenerative eye diseases: Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, etc. For the most part, these diseases affect older people, though other diseases and trauma can cause low vision in children and younger adults.

 

• Low vision is NOT the same as blindness. Many people with low vision may be told they are legally blind, and may confuse this term with blindness. People with low vision still have usable vision, which they can be taught to use effectively, and are not 'blind'. People who are completely blind compose less than 10% of the visually impaired population.

 

• There are many things that can be done to help a visually impaired person. Low vision rehabilitation is a field in which training and tools are used to help the person efficiently use their remaining sight. This can help with daily living, mobility, medical and financial management, cooking, reading, and many other tasks. Most importantly, low vision rehabilitation can allow people to remain independent and safe.

 

 

 

Simulations taken from the Lighthouse International website