Are You Managing Low Vision? Detection and Treatment Options

If your vision makes it difficult to go about your everyday tasks, you could be having low vision. In this case, even glasses or eye surgery might not make much difference. This condition is not just about needing a stronger prescription.

Low vision is a result of eye diseases that damage vital visual pathways. Early detection and management can help you adapt, thrive, and make the most of your remaining vision.

What Exactly Is Low Vision?

Low vision is an uncorrectable vision loss. No matter how strong your glasses or contacts are, your vision cannot be fully restored. This condition makes tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces harder. Every day activities that once felt easy can suddenly become a challenge.

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you are noticing changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam. The following signs could indicate low vision:

Having trouble matching clothing colors or identifying items.
Squinting excessively, even when you are wearing glasses.
Tripping or missing steps when walking.
Not being able to recognize faces from a distance.
Needing brighter light when reading.

Treatment Options

Since a cure is not one of the options available here, it is possible to manage the condition in the following ways:

Optical Devices

Magnifiers, telescopes, and custom-tinted lenses are very helpful. Magnifiers are great for reading and detailed tasks. Telescopes help you see faraway objects with greater clarity. Custom-tinted lenses help to reduce glare, especially in bright sunlight or at night.

Digital Aids

Digital tools are a huge help. Tablets with zoom or contrast settings make reading easier. Audiobooks and text-to-speech software let you enjoy reading without needing your vision. Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa can set reminders, make calls, and help with tasks.

Home Adjustments

You can use high-contrast tape on stairs to help you see them better so you do not keep falling. Brighter lighting in kitchens and reading areas reduces strain. Bold-lined paper and high-contrast writing tools help with tasks like writing notes or signing forms.

Vision Rehabilitation

Therapists here will teach you to use magnifiers and other tools. They also help you navigate safely. Home adjustments can reduce hazards, making your space safer. Counseling addresses emotional challenges, and support groups help connect with others in similar situations.

Daily Life Adaptations

Color-coding your home makes it easier to find things. Keep items like keys and phones in the same spots. Use voice labels on medication bottles or spices for easy identification. Request large-print statements from your bank or utilities. Smartphone apps can help identify colors or read your mail aloud.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you begin experiencing floaters, accompanied by flashes of light, you need to see an eye doctor immediately. This combination may signal retinal detachment.

Painful red eyes with nausea could indicate a serious condition, so do not dismiss these symptoms as part of aging; they could require prompt treatment.

Taking Control Starts Now

If reading has become harder or you are noticing other challenges, do not wait. Request a low-vision evaluation from your eye doctor.

Remember, low vision does not mean giving up on your favorite activities. It is about finding new ways to enjoy them. Many people with low vision live full, active lives by adjusting their approach.

For more on low vision, visit Gilbert Family Eye Center. Our office is in Gilbert, Arizona. Call (480) 279-4400 to book an appointment today.

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/low-vision

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/low-vision-diagnosis-treatment