What is low vision?

Partial vision loss that cannot be corrected causes a vision impairment known as "low vision." A person with low vision has severely reduced visual acuity or contrast sensitivity, a significantly obstructed field of vision -- or all three. To see simulations of some of the most common causes of low vision, click here. Signs of Low Vision • Difficulty recognizing a familiar face • Difficulty reading -- print appears broken, distorted or incomplete • Difficulty seeing objects and potential hazards such as steps, curbs, walls, uneven surfaces and furniture Low Vision = Useful Vision People with low vision usually retain some usable vision. An ophthalmologist or optometrist specializing in low vision can evaluate how you see and prescribe optical devices to maximize your remaining vision. This functional vision assessment is an important step in helping improve your quality of life. Improving Your Functional Vision with the Help of Devices Even with regular eyeglasses or contact lenses, ...  more

If ordinary eyeglasses, contact lenses or intraocular lens implants don’t give you clear vision, you are said to have low vision. Don’t confuse this condition with blindness. People with low vision still have useful vision that can often be improved with visual devices. Whether your visual impairment is mild or severe, low vision generally means that your vision does not meet your needs. Using visual devices to improve your vision usually begins after your ophthalmologist has completed medical or surgical treatment or determined that such treatments will not improve your vision.  more

Low vision is a condition that involves a minimal ability to see (particularly central vision) that is unresolved or uncorrected with traditional eyeglasses, contact lens, intraocular lens implants, or corrective surgery. However, in some cases, persons with low vision may be aided with special visual devices.  more