How is low vision diagnosed?
An eye exam by your eye care specialist can diagnose low vision.
You should make an appointment with your eye doctor if your vision
difficulties are preventing you from daily activities like travel,
cooking, work, and school. The tests the eye doctor will perform
include the use of lighting, magnifiers, and special charts to help
test visual acuity, depth perception, and visual field.
Can low vision be treated?
Some sight disorders, like diabetic retinopathy, can be treated
to restore or maintain vision. When this is not possible, low
vision is permanent. However, many people with low vision find
visual aids helpful. Popular low vision aids include:
- Telescopic glasses
- Lenses that filter light
- Magnifying glasses
- Hand magnifiers
- Closed-circuit television
- Reading prisms
Non-optical aids designed for people with low vision are also
very helpful. Some popular non-optical devices include:
- Text reading software
- Check guides
- High contrast clocks and watches
- Talking watches and clocks
- Large print publications
- Clocks, phones, and watches with enlarged numbers
Visual aids improve both sight and the quality of life for many
people. Talk to your doctor about where to purchase visual
aids.
Can low vision be prevented?
Low vision may be preventable for patients with diabetes and
reversible for those whose vision loss is caused by cataracts.