Approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the United States have vision impairment. Anyone can become affected by low vision because it occurs due to a variety of medical conditions and injuries. Discover who should visit a low vision optometrist in this blog.
What is low vision?
It is a problem that affects the daily activities of both adults and children; people with low vision may find it hard to read newspapers, watch television, drive, use the phone, and perform other daily activities. Learn more about low vision.
What are the primary symptoms of low vision?
Both adults and children can suffer from low vision. This condition is more common in older people. For example, 40% or more of low vision is caused by Age Related Macular Degeneration
The following symptoms are often reported by people with visual impairment:
- Difficulty seeing details
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Tunnel vision
- Poor depth perception
- Sensitivity to light
- Body posture problems
- Headaches
- Fatigue when reading
- Change to decreased ability to read, use a computer etc.
- Double vision
Who should see a low vision optometrist?
Patients who would need to see a low vision optometrist are generally those who have trouble seeing things visually with their glasses or contact lenses. If they need more than just a prescription change to allow them to read what they need to see, then a low vision optometrist can help them meet their goals. It can sometimes be as simple as changing the type of glass or the type of glasses, or it may be more advanced, such as magnifiers or phone applications or even installing different programs on their computer. A low vision optometrist will guide the patient and their loved ones through understanding their visual condition and the options available to improve their remaining vision.
