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What is Low Vision Exactly?

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What is Low Vision Exactly?

It’s common to hear someone with vision challenges described as “legally blind,” “partially sighted,” or “low vision,” among other phrases. The difference among these terms, however, can be a bit confusing. “Legally blind,” for example, is a legal classification, while “partially sighted” and “low vision” describe how well a person can use their remaining vision. “Low vision,” in particular, focuses on functional vision—meaning, how well your eyesight allows you to do the things that matter most to you—whether that is reading, driving, recognizing faces, or just navigating day-to-day tasks. Understanding what low vision really means can help clarify who falls under this classification, who may want to seek treatment, and how to find the right care or tools to make the most of that person’s sight.

A Practical Definition of Low Vision

Low vision, by my definition, and the definition of many of my colleagues, is vision that is insufficient to do what you want to do, or want to be able to do. It is not a measurement of your level of visual acuity—so it’s not 20/50, it’s not 20/80. It is not a definition of legal blindness or being partially sighted. Those are classifications used for documentation, benefits, and specific eligibility standards.

Low vision is more functional than technical. For example, if you have a hard time reading messages on your phone, recognizing faces, seeing street signs, or completing tasks at work because of reduced vision—even with glasses or contacts—then you may have low vision.

Low vision does not mean just nearsightedness or farsightedness. It can take a variety of forms, including:

  • Central vision loss: This means that the object of focus is missing. A person with central vision loss looking at someone’s face would only see the ears and shoulders, but not the face itself. Or if you look at a clock, you may see the numbers, but not the hands.
  • Peripheral vision loss: Peripheral vision loss, also known as tunnel vision, describes when you can only see objects directly in front of you and not at the sides of your vision.
  • Blurred vision: This means that everything looks out of focus, like looking through a foggy window. Even with glasses or contacts, details may still appear hazy.
  • Reduced contrast sensitivity: This refers to having difficulty distinguishing between colors or objects that are similar in color or brightness, particularly in low light conditions.
  • Night blindness: A person with night blindness has difficulty seeing at night or in dim light, such as when walking into a dark room or driving at nighttime.

Causes of Low Vision

Low vision is due to a number of causes. The most common medical causes of low vision are generally age-related, with macular degeneration being at the top. Other medical conditions include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Genetic conditions are another factor, with Stargardt Disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and albinism being some relatively common factors. Trauma to the eyes also can be a contributor to low vision.

When Vision Loss is NOT Low Vision

Low vision looks different for everyone. While you may have poor eyesight, if you’ve adapted your life in ways that allow you to be independent and satisfied, then, by my definition, you do not have low vision, and you would not need a low vision examination. Low vision isn’t about the amount of vision you do, or do not, have; it’s about whether your vision prevents you from doing what matters most to you.

Many individuals with lesser visual acuity by the numbers still function well because they’ve found ways to adapt. For example:

  • You prefer audiobooks instead of reading printed text.
  • You have a driver who helps you get where you need to go.
  • You enjoy music more than television.
  • You work with your hands doing something like sculpting and can accomplish your work through “feeling.”

It is important to note: You should continue to have regular eye exams, particularly if you are noticing changes in vision, to ensure that any possible medical conditions are properly managed. That said, if your vision loss—while legitimate—is not preventing you from doing what you want to do, then it would not be classified as low vision.

How is Low Vision Treated?

Treatment for low vision is different from a standard medical eye examination, which focuses on diagnosing and managing eye health conditions. A low vision evaluation, in contrast, focuses on how to improve the functional vision limitations created by those conditions and consists of:

  • Discussion of medical history
  • Creation of a functional vision “wish list”
  • Vision and prescription measurements
  • Demonstration and testing of specialized glasses and devices designed to meet vision goals

Low vision treatment is highly customized and may include a combination of the following devices:

  • Telescopic, microscopic, and prismatic glasses: These lenses are tailored to each patient and integrated into regular prescription glasses.
  • E-scoop or “Magna 5” glasses: Featuring specialized lenses and tints, these glasses  enhance everyday vision and maximize remaining vision.
  • Electronic, video, and other adaptive devices: These prescription aids provide the highest level of magnification possible.
  • Handheld and traditional magnifiers: These are high-quality magnifiers with LED lighting and other advanced features to permit quick magnification when larger magnifiers or glasses are not practical.
  • Non-optical visual, tactile, and auditory aids: These specialized lamps, lighting, talking devices, and other assistive tools make daily tasks easier.

Conclusion

Low vision isn’t defined by an eye chart number—it’s defined by how vision loss impacts your daily life. The goal of low vision care is to help you make the most of the sight you have so you can continue doing what matters most. With the right evaluation, tools, and support, many people with low vision maintain independence and confidence in their day-to-day activities. If you’d like to learn more about low vision care, give us a call at 877-577-2040 (toll-free), or contact us online: https://midwestlowvision.com/contact-midwest-low-vision/.