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The Vision Council  >  Consumers   >   Eye Health + Wellness   >   Low Vision

What is Low Vision

Low vision is the term used to refer to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. It is often characterized by partial sight, such blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision, but also includes legal blindness. Low vision can impact people of all ages, but is primarily associated with older adults. The following is a brief synopsis of the most common visual impairments that can cause low vision:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD/ARMD): AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among Americans over age 60. It accounts for nearly half of all low vision cases. It is caused when the part of the eye responsible for sharp, straight-on vision - the macula - breaks down and causes a loss of central vision. There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. Central vision loss occursrapidly with wet AMD. In dry AMD, light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, leading to a gradual loss of central vision.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. With glaucoma, portions of vision are lost over time, usually with no warning signs or symptoms prior to vision deterioration. For many, a decrease in peripheral vision is the first sign of glaucoma.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: According to the National Eye Institute, more than 30 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy. It is a major cause of blindness and is directly related to high blood sugar, which damages blood vessels. That damage affects the retina and can even lead to its detachment.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa: This is a group of inherited diseases affecting the retina resulting in progressive vision loss. This type of vision impairment often begins in childhood with poor night vision and progresses over time.

There are also many additional causes of low vision, including juvenile AMD, optic nerve atrophy, retinal detachment or eye injuries, among others.

If you'd like to have someone from The Vision Council contact you about Low Vision and potential solutions, please call our hotline at 1-877-457-0536 or click this link to fill out our contact form.