What is low vision? 

Low vision is the loss of sight that can not be corrected with regular glasses, contact lens or surgery. However, low vision isn't blindness, as limited sight remains and can be improved with the use of visual aids.
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Low vision includes different degrees of sight loss, from blind spots, poor night vision, and problems with glare to an almost complete loss of sight. The American Optometric Association defines low vision by two categories:

• "Partially sighted": the person has visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with conventional prescription lenses.
• "Legally blind": the person has visual acuity no better than 20/200 with conventional correction and/or a restricted field of vision less than 20 degrees wide.

Vision loss can greatly impact a person's ability to perform routine activities of daily living. Functional losses may include decreased ability to read or recognize faces, problems with paying bills, writing checks, taking care of personal finances, difficulty with watching television, cooking, and participating in hobbies or avocational activities. 

Anyone can be affected by low vision as it results from a variety of conditions and injuries. Some of the most common causes of low vision include diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Low vision may also result from eye cancer, albinism, brain injury, or inherited eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa.

The most common types of low vision:

• Loss of central vision: A blind spot in the center of one's vision.
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision: The inability to see anything to either side, above, or below eye level. Central vision, however, remains intact.
• Night blindness: The inability to see in poorly lit areas such as theaters, as well as outside at night.
• Blurred vision: Objects both near and far appear out of focus.
• Hazy vision: The entire field of vision appears to be covered with a film or glare.

Low vision assessment and management:

At Clarivision, our doctor will carefully assess your remaining vision by evaluating decreased distance vision, decreased near vision, central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, reduced contrast sensitivity, and problems with photophobia, glare, and lighting. A variety of low vision devices may be prescribed after evaluation to improve both sight and quality of life.

Popular low vision aids include:

• Specialized lens designs and prescriptions                
• Magnifying glasses
• Hand magnifiers
• Telescopic glasses 
• Closed-circuit television
• Prismatic eyeglasses
• Head-mounted displays

Low vision may be preventable for patients with diabetes, and some patients with macular degeneration and glaucoma. Our doctors will evaluate your eye health and treat underlying conditions to prevent further loss of vision.

To schedule your eye exam,
​call 203-806-1601 or schedule an appointment online today.

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