What is low vision?
Low vision is a visual impairment, not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, that interferes with a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
What causes low vision?
Low vision can result from a variety of diseases, disorders, and injuries that affect the eye. Many people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision.
How many people have low vision?
Millions of Indians have low vision. About 135 million people around the world have low vision.
How does low vision affect people's lives?
People with low vision experience physical, economic, and psychological changes that affect their quality of life. Low vision affects daily routines such as walking, going outside, and cooking. It also affects leisure activities such as reading, sewing, traveling, sports, and the ability to perform job-related functions that could lead to a loss of income.
Are there special devices that can help me with daily activities?
Devices are available that can help people with low vision read, write, and manage tasks of daily living.
What are these devices?
Devices to help people with low vision include
- adjustable lighting
- prescription reading glasses
- large-print publications
- magnifying devices
- closed-circuit televisions.
They also include
- electronic reading machines
- computer systems that talk
- telescopes
- telephones, clocks, and watches with large numbers
What should a person do if he or she knows someone with low vision?
Urge that person to make an appointment with an eye care professional for an eye examination. Then help the person find out about low vision and vision rehabilitation services and encourage him or her to take advantage of all available resources |
