Low Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and Options to Improve Your Autonomy

Low vision is a condition in which a person's vision is significantly diminished and cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

At LUPER, we offer solutions and resources to improve the quality of life for people with low vision and help them regain their independence.

What is Low Vision?

Low vision is characterized by a significant loss of visual capacity that prevents the performance of daily tasks such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. This condition is not total blindness, as the person retains some vision, although in a limited way, and in many cases, it cannot be improved with conventional treatments.

More information about low vision.

Types of Low Vision

There are several types of low vision, each with specific visual characteristics and limitations:

1. Central Low Vision

This involves the loss of vision in the center of the visual field, making tasks such as reading or facial recognition difficult.

2. Peripheral Low Vision

This presents as a loss of vision in the sides of the visual field, also known as "tunnel vision," making it difficult to see objects to the sides.

3. Night Blindness

This type of low vision primarily affects vision in low light conditions, making night vision or vision in dark environments practically nonexistent.

4. Blurred or Diffuse Vision

The visual field is complete, but objects and details appear blurred, making tasks that require visual clarity difficult.

Learn about the different types of low vision.

How Does a Person with Low Vision See?

The experience of those with low vision varies greatly. Some of the visual symptoms and difficulties include:

• Narrowing of the visual field: Limited perception of surroundings.
• Patchy vision: Areas in the visual field that appear as spots or blind spots.
• Glare and loss of contrast: Difficulty differentiating objects against light backgrounds or in excessive light conditions.
• Blurred or distorted vision: Difficulty seeing object details.

Each case of low vision is unique and can vary depending on the cause and type of low vision.

Learn about this low vision success story at LUPER:

Causes of Low Vision

Low vision is often the result of various eye pathologies and conditions, among which stand out:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Pathologic Myopia
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Glaucoma

Other causes include cataracts, eye injuries, congenital malformations, and diseases such as albinism or trachoma.

Discover more about the causes of low vision at LUPER.

Diagnosis of Low Vision

The diagnosis of low vision must be made by an ophthalmologist, who evaluates:

1. Visual Acuity: Determines how well the patient can see at a distance and up close.
2. Visual Field: Identifies the extent of peripheral and central vision.
3. Complete Eye Examination: With pupil dilation to examine the back of the eye and detect any pathology that may be causing vision loss.

Schedule a low vision consultation at LUPER.

Treatment and Aids for Low Vision

Low vision is, in most cases, permanent. However, there are low vision optical aids and strategies that can improve autonomy and functionality in daily life:

Low Vision Optical Aids

• High-power magnifiers: Allow objects to be enlarged to facilitate reading and other tasks.
• Telescopic and microscopic lenses: Ideal for people who need to see details of distant objects.
• Therapeutic filters: Specific colored lenses that improve contrast and reduce glare.

Non-Optical Low Vision Aids

• Improved lighting: Use of lamps and adjustable lights that increase environmental clarity.
• Reading stands: Facilitate the positioning of reading material.
• Adapted technology: Phones and watches designed for people with low vision.

Digital Low Vision Aids

• Electronic magnifiers: Portable devices that magnify images on digital screens.
• Augmented reality systems: Such as OrCam and eSight, which help with daily activities like reading, object identification, and facial recognition.

Learn more about visual aids for low vision at LUPER.

How to Adapt to Low Vision and Improve Quality of Life?

Living with low vision involves some adjustments, but with the use of aids and adaptations, people can maintain an active and independent life.

Some recommended strategies include:

• Training in the use of optical and digital aids: An optometrist can assist in the effective use of devices.
• Home modifications: Improve lighting, remove obstacles, and use contrasting colors to facilitate movement.
• Emotional and psychological support: Adapting to low vision can be an emotional challenge, so seeking support from family members or support groups is advisable.

Learn how to improve your quality of life with low vision at LUPER.

Frequently Asked Questions about Low Vision

1. What is the difference between low vision and legal blindness?

Low vision implies a partial loss of vision, while legal blindness is a more severe condition with visual acuity of 10% or less in the better eye or a visual field less than 10 degrees.

2. Is low vision curable?

Low vision is generally permanent and cannot be corrected with conventional treatments. However, optical and technological aids exist to improve the quality of life.

3. What devices can help me if I have low vision?

There are high-power magnifiers, contrast filters, telescopic lenses, and electronic systems like OrCam, designed to assist in daily activities.

4. Can people with low vision drive?

Depending on visual acuity and visual field, some individuals may obtain restricted licenses. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist for specific guidance.

5. What are the main causes of low vision?

The most common causes are macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and pathologic myopia, among others.

6. Where can I get help for low vision?

At LUPER, we offer services for adapting visual aids and advice to improve the autonomy of people with low vision.

 

Face Low Vision with Support and Resources at LUPER

At LUPER, we are committed to offering solutions and devices to improve the quality of life for those with low vision.

Contact us for a personalized consultation and learn about the options that best suit your visual needs.