Low Vision
WHAT IS LOW VISION
Low vision refers to vision that cannot be corrected by medical or surgical techniques or by traditional eyeglasses and contact lenses. A person with low vision needs unique vision rehabilitation to learn how to adjust to it.
There are many ways to help people with low vision continue to do the things they enjoy. Low vision does not mean a person has to give up tasks that are important to them, but they may need to learn new ways to complete them.
Vision rehabilitation helps patients with low vision learn new techniques to accomplish goals and find devices that can assist them.
LOW VISION UNDERSTANDING
It is important to know that normal aging of the eye is not low vision. Irreversible vision loss can cause feelings of anger and frustration. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and get help to work through them. Local resources are available to help with this. Also vision rehabilitation can help you stay active and avoid depression. You can learn to live with low vision but living with depression is challenging.
It is important people with low vision do not isolate themselves. The key to independence is making use of the many options available for staying connected, staying active and making use of the vision you do have.
DO NOT LET LOW VISION STOP YOU
Most low vision referrals come from a patient’s ophthalmologist or optometrist, so if you find that you are struggling to perform activities you enjoy ask your primary eye care provider if you might benefit from low vision rehabilitation.