What Is Low Vision?
Low vision is decreased vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery and interferes with daily activities.
1. What Causes Low Vision?
Low vision typically occurs due to irreparable damage to one or more parts of the visual system caused by disease or trauma. Examples of conditions that can result in low vision include:
Corneal scarring or ulcers, including those caused by bacterial infections, Acanthamoeba, or herpes viruses
Glaucoma
Retinal detachment
Diabetic retinopathy
Brain injury or stroke
2. Can Low Vision Be Fixed?
While low vision cannot be cured, a comprehensive low vision evaluation can help identify tools and strategies that allow patients to function more comfortably and independently.
3. What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Low vision rehabilitation focuses on optimizing remaining vision while also assessing the visual demands of daily activities and hobbies. Rehabilitation does not happen instantaneously—it requires patience, time, and active participation.
4. Who Can Benefit from Low Vision Rehabilitation?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with irreversible vision loss, including loss of visual field (side vision), may benefit from low vision rehabilitation. This includes individuals who struggle with reading, driving, recognizing faces, or navigating familiar environments—even with updated glasses.
5. What to Expect from Your First Low Vision Rehabilitation Exam
A low vision rehabilitation exam is much longer than a typical eye exam. In addition to reviewing your medical history and assessing your vision, your doctor will ask detailed questions about your daily activities, including reading, work, mobility, and hobbies.
Based on this information, your doctor may recommend tools or strategies to support your daily life. In many cases, a follow-up visit is needed for further evaluation and refinement.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with permanent vision loss and would like to explore whether low vision rehabilitation is appropriate, a low vision evaluation can help determine next steps.
