Millions of Americans live with low vision, a visual impairment that complicates everyday tasks such as recognizing faces, reading, or checking messages. Low vision is not an inevitable part of aging, though the eye conditions that cause it become more common with age. During Low Vision Awareness Month, the National Eye Institute encourages eye examinations to detect signs of eye diseases and to take steps to ease daily life for those affected.
Low vision is characterized by an inability to see well enough to perform activities like reading, driving, recognizing faces, distinguishing colors, or seeing screens clearly. The most common causes include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss in people with diabetes. Types of low vision encompass central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, night blindness, and blurry or hazy vision.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive dilated eye exam, where a doctor assesses vision up close and far away, checks central and peripheral vision, and uses eye drops to widen pupils to identify underlying eye problems. While low vision is usually permanent, glasses, medicine, or surgery may assist with daily activities or slow progression.
For those with minor vision loss, simple adjustments can make a significant difference. These include using brighter lights, wearing anti-glare sunglasses, and employing magnifiers. Modifying device settings to increase contrast, enlarge text, or enable read-aloud features on phones and computers can also help. If vision loss interferes with everyday activities, vision rehabilitation services offer skills and resources to manage daily life and maintain independence. Services may cover employment and job training, environmental modifications like improved lighting and contrast, assistive devices and technologies such as magnifiers and screen readers, adaptive strategies for daily living, emotional support through counseling or support groups, and transportation and household services.
Finding appropriate vision rehabilitation services requires time and collaboration with an eye doctor or care team. Discussing needs and goals for living with visual impairment is a crucial first step to identify the best services. For additional resources and information on vision rehabilitation, visit nei.nih.gov/VisionRehab. This initiative highlights the importance of proactive eye care and accessible support systems, potentially improving quality of life and independence for individuals with low vision, while raising awareness about preventable and manageable eye conditions that impact public health and societal inclusivity.
