Low vision is a chronic visual condition that affects a person’s ability to see clearly. It is not the same as total blindness, as individuals with low vision still have some visual ability. However, their vision is significantly reduced and can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, or moving about safely.
Causes of Low Vision:
There are several causes, including:
- Eye diseases: Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts can damage the light-sensitive tissues of the eye and lead to vision loss.
- Injuries: Trauma to the eye from an accident, fall, or sharp object can damage the cornea, lens, or retina, resulting in low vision.
- Genetic factors: Some eye conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, can be inherited from parents and can cause this condition from birth or as one ages.
Symptomatology:
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Blurry or distorted vision: People with this condition may see objects as blurry or distorted, even at close distances.
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions: It may be challenging to see in dimly lit environments or at night.
- Reduced visual field: Peripheral vision may be limited, making it difficult to see objects to the side or behind.
- Difficulty focusing: It may be hard to focus on objects at near or far distances.
- Sensitivity to light: The eyes may be sensitive to bright light, causing discomfort or pain.
