Low vision is a visual impairment that cannot be corrected fully through glasses, contact lenses, medication, or eye surgery. If you're struggling with low vision, your ability to perform everyday tasks might be affected, and it could stem from various underlying conditions. Low vision affects people of all ages, but it's more prevalent as you age. It can present as blurred vision, poor night vision, blind spots, or legal blindness.
 

Common Causes of Low Vision

When it comes to the causes of low vision, there are several culprits that can be responsible for diminishing your eyesight. In the aging population, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leads the pack as a prevalent cause. It affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
 

If you have diabetes, you're at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Initially, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. However, it can eventually lead to low vision and even blindness. Cataracts and glaucoma can also cause significant vision loss if left untreated.
 

Uveitis, an inflammation of the eye’s middle layer, or uvea can lead to low vision if not properly treated. Strokes or brain injuries can result in visual field loss or the loss of the ability to understand what you see.
 

If you're experiencing any changes in your vision, it's imperative to consult with an optometrist. Your doctor can provide a diagnosis and guide you on the path to the best possible treatment and management options.
 

Living with Low Vision

Living with low vision demands adaptation to maintain independence and quality of life. Modifying your living space can make a significant difference. Increase lighting where needed, use high-contrast colors for better visibility, and eliminate potential hazards that may cause accidents. Labeling items with large print and using adaptive technologies like text-to-speech and magnification devices can assist you in daily tasks.
 

A variety of assistive technologies are available to help individuals with low vision. These include magnifiers, specialized glasses, electronic devices, and computer software that enlarges text or converts it to speech. There are also smartphone apps designed to help with navigation, identification of objects, and reading printed text.
 

Treatment Options for Low Vision Conditions

Treatment options for low vision conditions vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. For some, medical interventions such as medications, injections, or surgeries can slow progression or restore some degree of vision. For example, anti-VEGF injections are used in the treatment of wet macular degeneration, while laser surgery can be an option for certain types of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
 

Preserving Your Vision and Eye Health

By understanding the causes and symptoms of low vision conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, you can take proactive steps towards effective management. Regular eye exams are the cornerstone of maintaining good vision and detecting low vision conditions early.
 

If you are experiencing changes in your vision or for further guidance on how to navigate low vision, schedule an eye exam at Ishigo Optometry in our Gardena, California, office. Please call (888) 564-0016 to book an appointment today.