Low vision is uncorrectable visual loss that interferes with daily activities. It cannot be improved with regular glasses, contact lenses, or medical intervention. Individuals with low vision may experience any combination of a reduction or loss of colour vision, central or peripheral vision, and a reduction in the ability to adjust to changing levels of light, contrast, and glare.
Are you or someone you know struggling to adjust to declining vision? Are you experiencing difficulty with driving, seeing faces, reading text, cooking, interacting with the environment around you? While it is not possible to regain vision reduced by glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, or genetic conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, there are ways to enhance your remaining vision.
The simple use of additional lighting can be beneficial, such as adding a floor lamp or a task lamp to an area. Using contrast to enhance the ability to locate certain objects in a space can also be helpful. Changing light switch covers to a dark colour on a white wall, painting floor trim a very light colour on a dark wall and a very dark colour on a white wall, using a white mug for black coffee, and a black cup for milk, or setting a white plate on a black table cloth, for example.
Using large print books and games, talking devices, and writing guides can allow for easier ways to continue to enjoy tasks that have become difficult.
Additional optical options include tints that can help manage glare symptoms, specialized glasses, magnifiers, and high tech computerized magnifying devices.
A low vision assessment where a detailed evaluation of your visual ability and desired goals are determined is the first place to start. Cowichan Eyecare is excited to now offer more services to our patients with low vision. No referral is necessary. Please contact our office at 250 743 8899 for more information or to schedule an assessment.
