Low vision, both eyes Save

Understanding Low Vision in Both Eyes

Low vision is a term used to describe a significant visual impairment that is not correctable with glasses, contact lenses, or other medical treatments. People with low vision may have difficulty with activities such as reading, driving, or even recognizing faces. Low vision can affect one or both eyes and can be caused by a variety of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

1. Age-related macular degeneration: This is a common cause of low vision in older adults. It affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes blurry or distorted, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces.
2. Glaucoma: This is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. As the optic nerve is damaged, peripheral vision is lost, making it difficult to see objects to the sides and in dim light.
3. Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these blood vessels can leak or become blocked, causing damage to the retina and leading to vision loss.

If you have low vision in both eyes, it is important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can help determine the cause of your low vision and recommend appropriate treatments or devices to help you manage your vision loss.

Some common treatments for low vision include:

• Magnifying devices: These devices can help enlarge text or images, making them easier to see. Examples include magnifying glasses, handheld magnifiers, and electronic magnifiers.
• Contrast-enhancing filters: These filters can help increase the contrast between text or images and their background, making them easier to distinguish. Examples include colored overlays and high-contrast settings on electronic devices.
• Assistive technology: There are many devices and apps available that can help people with low vision perform everyday tasks such as reading, writing, and navigating. Examples include screen readers, text-to-speech software, and GPS navigation systems.

Living with low vision can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help you manage your vision loss and maintain your independence. Talk to your eye doctor and explore the many support groups and advocacy organizations dedicated to helping people with low vision.

Conclusion

Low vision in both eyes can significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks