When it comes to eye care, prescription glasses or contact lenses can help correct vision problems, improving your sight and ability to complete daily tasks. That said, many eye doctors see patients who are experiencing low vision. If you're curious about this condition and the overall risk factors, here's a quick guide to review.  

Understanding Low Vision

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is defined as loss of sight that cannot be corrected with eye care solutions such as prescription glasses. Low vision can range from a blind spot in your field of vision to blurriness. When diagnosed with low vision, your eye doctor will place you into one of two categories, the first being partially sighted. Partially sighted individuals have a visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 with prescription eyewear. Legally blind patients have visual acuity below 20/200 with a field of vision that's restricted to 20 degrees wide. 

When diagnosed with low vision, you're likely to experience difficulty reading, driving at night, recognizing faces, differentiating between colors, and seeing both television and computer screens properly. Low vision can present as hazy or blurred eyesight or the inability to see on the periphery or what's directly in front of you. 

What Causes This Issue and Who Is at Risk?

Low vision is often a result of other vision problems. When you have glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration, you're more likely to develop this condition. Individuals with diabetes who struggle to manage the disease can also experience low vision as they are prone to developing diabetic retinopathy. When you have diabetes or you're over the age of 75, your risk of developing low vision increases. 

How Is It Diagnosed?

Eye care professionals can diagnose low vision through a routine eye exam. Your eyes will be dilated and you'll be asked to read letters that are placed up close and far away to gauge the range of your vision as well as how you see from the periphery. This process is quick and painless and your eye doctor can provide results immediately. 

If you're concerned about low vision, Eye Care Optical is the place to visit for a comprehensive eye exam. Located in the heart of Montgomery, OH, residents throughout Hamilton County have depended on this eye care center for over four decades. To schedule your next appointment, call today at (513) 731-6587. For more information on their services, from custom contact lenses and glasses to glaucoma treatment, visit them online.