What does it mean to have Low Vision?

Kayla Bechthold OD

What does it mean to have Low Vision?

Many people believe that any decrease in vision can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Eye conditions like Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, among others, can result in damage to the eye that cannot be corrected.

Perfect vision is 20/20. Legal blindness is defined as vision that is 20/200 or worse with best vision correction. A full visual field is around 190 degrees. One can also be considered legally blind if they have a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Low vision is a range of vision loss better than 20/200, but not correctable to 20/20.

Low vision can significantly impact various aspects of daily life. Reading, driving, cooking, seeing faces and colors, watching TV or going to work are made more difficult.

Low vision cannot be corrected with glasses alone. The goal of a low vision exam is to make the most of the usable vision one has.

A Low Vision exam involves taking special care and time in getting the best glasses prescription. Magnifiers, lighting, and extra tools are explored and explained. During the exam the doctor also reaches out to other organizations that can help to obtain some of the devices and training. In the state of Minnesota there are many services available to those who are navigating Low Vision. State Services for the Visually Impaired and Lighthouse Center for Vital Living are both great organizations that help immensely.

If you or someone you know is struggling with vision loss, please reach out to schedule a low vision exam with our office today.