What Does Low Vision Mean?

We talk a lot about declining vision here at Rebuild Your Vision, and we talk even more about how to prevent it. What we don’t talk about as much, though, is low vision. But what does low vision mean? This condition is caused by a disease and is not correctable with regular lenses or eyeglasses. If you or a loved one suffers from low vision, you know just how much this impacts your day-to-day life, from doing normal activities like reading and cooking to doing your job, and even how you travel. A low vision diagnosis can cause a major lifestyle overhaul.

There is a difference between low vision and blindness – it’s actually a much less severe condition. Low vision is defined by a visual acuity measurement of 20/70 (whereas blindness is a measurement of 20/200 or worse). This is a pretty substantial difference between being diagnosed with low vision vs legally blind. Just how much someone with low vision can see varies from person to person. And, it impacts more people than you might think – approximately 25 million Americans have low vision.

Low Vision Causes and Symptoms

Of those 25 million Americans with low vision, the vast majority are over the age of 65. Some qualify as having a low vision disability, which in the U.S. then allows the diagnosed to receive support from the Social Security Administration. Low vision can occur due to a number of issues, from age-related macular degeneration to glaucoma to cataracts to diabetic retinopathy. This means that symptoms vary.

Luckily, spotting the symptoms is pretty simple. Though this list isn’t exhaustive, if you find that you experience more than one of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help from your optometrist.

Low vision symptoms may include:

• Not being able to see lights that were bright to you previously
• Trouble with reading, sewing, or cooking because of poor sight
• Not being able to recognize the faces of friends and family or street signs at a distance
• Difficulty differentiating between similar colors

How Is It Tested?

Low vision is tested in a number of ways. Because each person’s case and cause for low vision is unique, oftentimes optometrists need to perform a variety of tests before they can determine that you have this condition.

One classic way to test vision is using the Snellen Chart. Most people have experienced this test at their general practitioner’s office or even the DMV without even having to visit the eye doctor! To take this test, you’ll be asked to stand at a certain distance away from the chart (about 20 feet). Then you’ll be asked to read the letters in order, from biggest to smallest, until you are no longer able to see them.

This is a good test of general visual acuity, but it often does not help an eye doctor zero in on just what a person with low vision can and can’t see. However, if a person is unable to read past the third line of letters, they are classified as a person with low vision.

Other tests may include the examination of your pupils to see how they react to shapes and light. Special eye drops may be used to enlarge the pupils so that your doctor may examine the inner parts of your eye. All of these tests could play into a low vision diagnosis.

Low Vision Treatments

Part of the definition for having low vision means that it also does not have an easy cure. Corrective lenses are not enough to allow someone with low vision to see clearly. So, the only way to treat it is to adapt and learn to see again with your new vision. This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but it is the unfortunate reality. However, a number of visual aids and assistive technology options are available to support those with low vision, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

Here are just a few:

• Magnified reading glasses for reading
• E-Readers that have adjustable font sizes to make the writing as big as you need
• Smartphones that come with low vision options such as magnifying text, enlarging font, and a voice interface that can read texts out loud
• Sensor-activated lights that turn on when someone enters a room

Another way to make seeing easier for those with low vision is to color-contrast their home. Light switches that are painted the same color as the wall may be hard to find with low vision. So, taping the area around the switch black to contrast a light wall will make finding it much easier. Alternatively, you can find some fun, colored light switch plates to install that will contrast with a lighter-colored wall. If you or a loved one suffers from low vision, you could do the same with electrical outlets and other important switches.

How to Prevent Vision Loss

Low vision can be prevented by simply taking care of your eyes. This starts with good nutrition! Making sure you get the proper nutrients can go a long way in preserving your vision for the future.  For example, Vitamin A and Vitamin E are very effective for preventing cataracts. Eating dark, leafy greens and bright orange vegetables is a great way of getting these nutrients naturally.

However, sometimes it’s difficult to work more vegetables into our diets, especially with busy schedules. Luckily, eye vitamins, like our Ocu-Plus Formula, can pick up the slack. Taking them regularly in tandem with eating well and exercising will preserve your vision for years to come.

This condition can also be prevented by cutting out bad habits. Smoking can do a lot of damage to your eyes. You should also wear proper, UV-rated sunglasses while spending time outdoors. While vitamin D is definitely good for you, the sun’s UV rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes. Taking care of yourself is important, so do yourself a favor and keep these tips in mind next time you head to the grocery store. Preventing low vision in the future starts with taking small steps in the present. Your future self will thank you!