How Do I Know If I Have Low Vision?

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Low vision is not necessarily a well-known term for many people, which is why it’s easy to confuse the term if you’re unaware of the disorder. Here, we’ll look at what low vision is, who it’s likely to affect, and what you can do if you think you have it.

The Fast Facts of Low Vision

Low vision in Kewanee, IL is a type of visual impairment that can’t be corrected with traditional means, such as glasses or surgery. Low vision is typically a symptom of a larger eye disorder, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

Do I Have Low Vision?

Typically, low vision is a gradual process, meaning you wouldn’t experience low vision if there wasn’t a corresponding cause. If you have temporary blindness, this can be caused by a temporary disorder, such as a concussion or a migraine.

Is Low Vision the Same Thing as Legally Blind?

No. Low vision refers to a general visual impairment while legal blindness contains a specific definition (20/200 visual acuity). So, while you might have low vision in addition to legal blindness, you can have low vision without being legally blind.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Vision?

You might think of low vision as the inability to see, but it can manifest in a few different ways:

  • Blurriness: Even with high-grade prescription glasses, objects may appear blurry or otherwise unclear.
  • Sensitivity: People with low vision will have problems adapting to and processing light, which can make them extremely sensitive to brightness of any kind (e.g., natural, artificial, etc.).
  • Eye strain and headaches: The more effort your eyes have to make, the more likely you’ll feel the stress in different ways.

What Can Be Done for Low Vision?

If glasses, contact lenses, and surgery won’t do the trick, you’ll need to visit an eye doctor in Kewanee, IL who specializes in this disorder. At Illinois Vision Clinic, we can help you learn more about low-vision rehab and low-vision devices, all of which can potentially help you enhance your vision and independence. Plus, we can provide emotional support and counseling to help you cope with the changes.

4 Common Symptoms of Low Vision

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Living with low vision isn’t always as obvious as waking up one day and realizing you can’t see clearly. Often, it starts with subtle changes that gradually interfere with daily tasks. Knowing what signs to watch for can help you catch problems early and get the support you need in terms of low vision treatment in Peoria, IL.

1. Trouble Reading or Recognizing F*aces

One of the first clues of low vision is struggling to read small print, even with your usual glasses. You might find yourself holding books or menus farther away or seeking brighter light. Another common frustration is difficulty recognizing faces from across the room or even up close, which can lead to awkward or isolating moments.

2. Needing More Light Than Before

If you’ve noticed you keep turning on extra lamps or can’t seem to see well in the evening, it could be more than normal aging. People with low vision often require much brighter light to perform routine activities like cooking, sewing, or reading instructions. Shadows or dim rooms become real obstacles.

3. Difficulty Adjusting to Different Light Levels

Switching from a sunny spot outdoors into a darker room can be tough for many people as they get older. But with low vision, this adjustment period can take much longer, leaving you temporarily disoriented. Glare from oncoming headlights or bright reflections might also seem overwhelming, making driving or walking outside more challenging.

4. Problems with Peripheral Vision

Low vision doesn’t always mean the world is blurry straight ahead. Sometimes it affects side vision. You may bump into furniture, miss steps, or not notice someone coming from the side. People with conditions like glaucoma often experience this kind of vision loss, where their field of view gradually narrows.

When to See Your Optometrist

These symptoms might develop slowly, which is why it’s easy to dismiss them at first. But catching low vision early is key to your optometrist providing help with tools and techniques that can help you keep living independently.

If you’ve spotted any of these warning signs, schedule a visit with your optometrist in Peoria, IL. They can figure out what’s going on and guide you toward solutions that protect your remaining sight and keep you active.