Low Vision
Some people cannot see the things they need to see even though they are not blind. Their problem is low vision. Low vision refers to impaired vision that does not improve through medicine, surgery, or ordinary corrective lenses. Individuals with low vision find it difficult or impossible to do many everyday tasks. For example, they may be able to walk unaided but not see someone's face. Low vision is not blindness, which is the absence of useful vision or light perception.
Signs and Symptoms
- Things can appear blurred, faded or distorted
- Objects may seem to be "jumping about" "not all there" or "not there at all"
- Visual acuity-the ability to see fine detail-can worsen
- Narrowing or loss of parts of the visual field
- Less sensitive to differences and changes in brightness, contrast and color
- Adaptation to high or low levels of light may be slowed or impossible
Treatments and Prevention
- Rehabilitation
- Magnification
- Illumination
- Viewing techniques
- Nonoptical devices
- Nonvisual devices and adaptive techniques
- Task or environment modifications
UIC Specialists
Janet Szlyk,PhD
Treatment Clinic/Service
Low Vision Lab
Eye Facts Article
Low Vision
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.