If you have low vision – it means that your vision is impaired, but you still have some remaining vision.
People with low vision may have difficulty seeing objects clearly or reading, even when using corrective lenses or other vision aids.
Children may not realise they have an eye problem or tell anyone that their sight is impaired. Eye disorders are among the most common long-term health problems experienced by children and early detection allows for intervention and correction.
Signs your child may have a vision problem:
- Blurred or double vision
- Sore or tired eyes
- Headaches
- Eye rubbing
- Squinting
- Sitting too close to things (such as TV)
- Holding a book very close
- Difficulty reading
- Night vision problems
- Tilting the head
Low vision can result from;
- age-related macular degeneration,
- cataracts,
- glaucoma,
- diabetic retinopathy,
- and other conditions that affect the eye's structure or function.
Optometrists are best placed to assess your vision, diagnose if there is a visual problem and provide solutions to enable the best vision possible.
Challenging condition
Low vision can be a challenging condition to live with it impacts the ability to perform daily tasks, such as reading, driving, cooking, and watching television.
While there are many types of low vision aids available, one of the best solutions for getting the right help is to consult your optometrist.
Optometrists are trained medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating vision problems. They can help people with low vision improve their quality of life by providing a number of solutions.
Expertise in Eye Care
Optometrists’ extensive knowledge of the different types of low vision aids available means they can recommend the best solution for your needs. They can also diagnose any underlying eye conditions that may be contributing to low vision and provide the appropriate treatment.
Low Vision Aids
Low vision aids are tools designed to help people to perform everyday tasks. They can be optical or non-optical.
Magnifying glasses help people read from textbooks, worksheets, and handouts more clearly. There are several different types of magnifying glasses available, including handheld magnifiers and stand magnifiers.
Handheld electronic magnifiers are small portable devices that use a camera to magnify text or images. They can be used for reading and writing tasks and are particularly useful to magnify small print or detailed images.
Desktop electronic magnifiers have a larger screen and more advanced features than handheld magnifiers, and are more suitable for longer reading or writing tasks.
Audio books and talking devices can be a great option for those who have difficulty reading printed materials.
Braille devices can be used by those who have significant low vision
Adaptive computer software can help children with low vision access digital content. This software can magnify text, change the contrast, and adjust the colour settings of a computer screen.
Your optometrist can provide specialised glasses to optimise vision. They can also prescribe special lens tints to enhance contrast and reduce glare, and special coatings for specific conditions.
