Low Vision Assessment
What Is Low Vision?
Low vision is a type of vision impairment that cannot be fixed with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery . It makes it hard to do everyday activities like reading, driving, recognizing faces, telling colors apart or seeing your television clearly .
According to the American Optometric Association, anyone with uncorrectable, reduced vision is considered visually impaired . Low vision does not mean total blindness, most people who are classified as “blind” still have some remaining sight
Get the low vision assessment form completed
What causes low vision
Many eye conditions can cause low vision. Common causes include:
- Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), degeneration of the macula causes blurred central vision and can create a central blind spot . T
here are two forms: dry AMD, which usually progresses slowly, and wet AMD, where abnormal blood vessels leak under the macula .
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 .
A hereditary juvenile form called Stargardt macular dystrophy also causes central vision loss .
Glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve, often from increased pressure in the eye, causes loss of peripheral (side) vision .
Diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can cause abnormal blood vessels in the retina to leak and damage vision .
Retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited disease that gradually destroys night and peripheral vision, often starting in childhood.
Albinism, a genetic condition in which lack of pigment and abnormal optic‑nerve development lead to reduced visual acuity, light sensitivity and other vision challenges .
Eye injuries, strokes and other genetic disorders can also cause low vision
How a low vision optometrist can help?
A low vision optometrist performs a specialized low‑vision evaluation that’s different from a routine eye exam. The goal is not to diagnose disease, but to determine how to maximize your remaining vision for the tasks you care about.
During the evaluation, we:
Assess the vision you have. We use special charts and techniques to “draw out” residual peripheral vision that may be hiding and recheck your eyeglass prescription . We also see how magnification affects your vision .
Determine the vision needed for your tasks. We’ll ask you to bring samples of the print you want to read or activities you enjoy, from racing charts or stock pages to sewing or woodworking .
Identify the best devices. We have many unique magnifiers and telescopic glasses to try in‑office and won’t order a device unless it works for you .
This in‑depth discussion helps us understand whether you want to read, write, drive, watch TV, cook, or spend time with family, and then tailor solutions to make those activities possible.
What causes low vision
Many eye conditions can cause low vision. Common causes include:
- Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), degeneration of the macula causes blurred central vision and can create a central blind spot . T
here are two forms: dry AMD, which usually progresses slowly, and wet AMD, where abnormal blood vessels leak under the macula .
AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 .
A hereditary juvenile form called Stargardt macular dystrophy also causes central vision loss .
Glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve, often from increased pressure in the eye, causes loss of peripheral (side) vision .
Diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can cause abnormal blood vessels in the retina to leak and damage vision .
Retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited disease that gradually destroys night and peripheral vision, often starting in childhood.
Albinism, a genetic condition in which lack of pigment and abnormal optic‑nerve development lead to reduced visual acuity, light sensitivity and other vision challenges .
Eye injuries, strokes and other genetic disorders can also cause low vision
Rehabilitation and Quality of Life
Vision rehabilitation has been shown to enhance daily living, promote independence and improve emotional well‑being by providing adaptive training and equipment . Patients often report greater ease and confidence performing tasks and a renewed sense of fulfillment and life satisfaction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with vision loss from conditions like macular degeneration, albinism, glaucoma, Stargardt’s disease, diabetic retinopathy or retinitis pigmentosa, a low‑vision optometrist can help. Based on your input and a comprehensive low vision evaluation, we’ll determine the best way to help you continue living the life you want, despite visual limitations.
We strive to enhance your quality of life, independence and safety by fitting custom low‑vision glasses and devices, teaching new strategies, and supporting your journey toward living well with low vision.