Vision Loss FAQ
What is Low Vision?
“Low vision” is a loss of vision that cannot be corrected to the normal range by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment and/or surgery. People have low vision, or partial sight, if their best-corrected vision is 20/70 or less in their good eye. Even when wearing regular corrective lenses, partially sighted people cannot easily read newsprint or see expressions on another person's face. There are approximately 4.3 million Americans who have been diagnosed as partially sighted. An estimated 8 to 10 million more Americans report vision problems that interfere with their ability to do daily tasks without help.
What is Legal Blindness?
In the United States, a person is considered “legally blind” when his/her best-corrected vision is 20/200, or the person's visual field is 20 degrees or less. That is, with the better eye and with correction, one sees at 20 feet what others without vision loss can see at 200 feet. Or with the better eye and with correction, one sees only within a narrow field of view (limited side or peripheral vision). Most people who are considered blind have some remaining vision. Many legally blind people have usable vision and are partially sighted. A person may be considered to be blind or to have low vision when he/she can no longer drive safely, has difficulty reading a newspaper, or cannot see objects to the side. A small percentage of people, approximately 1 in 10, have no usable vision and have what is commonly called functional blindness or total blindness.
What is Blindness?
The term “blind” refers to the absence of vision or the ability to determine only the existence but not the source of light (known as light perception).
What is Vision Rehabilitation?
“Vision Rehabilitation” is a process during which people experiencing vision loss learn new ways to approach tasks. Kinds of vision rehabilitation include:
- Vocational - for work goals
- Homemaker - for independent living goals
- Personal Goals - for short-term adjustment to vision loss goals
What is a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist?
Vision Rehabilitation Specialists help people set goals and find ways to perform familiar activities. Vision Specialists include:
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Rehabilitation Teachers
- Orientation and Mobility Specialists
- Access Technology Specialists
What if I want to understand my parent’s or partner’s vision loss?
You may want to explore the LightHouse's Peer Led Vision Loss Support Group and Practical Tips for Men Adjusting to Vision Loss classes. Also, visit the National Eye Institute website for more information regarding specific eye conditions and to see representative simulations of various eye conditions. There is also the AFB Vision Simulation Video.
What are the current major eye conditions that impact adults?
- Cataracts
In order to see properly, the cornea and lens must be clear. A cataract is a cloudy or hazy lens, which blurs the picture on the retina. Effects of cataracts may include: colors seeming to fade, problems with glare (lamps or sunlight may appear too bright), a halo appearing around lights, and decreasing night vision. Cataracts are usually treatable with outpatient surgery. - Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication from Diabetes in which retinal blood vessels in the eye break, leak or become blocked, causing spotty vision. Retinopathy risk increases with age. Effects on functional vision may include changes in reading and distance vision, sensitivity to glare, floaters, and lack of the eye’s ability to adjust to changes in lighting — from dark to light and light to dark. Diabetic Retinopathy can usually be managed by controlling blood sugar, practicing regular eye care and visiting your doctor. - Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes optic nerve damage. High eye pressure, or fluid build-up in the eye, is a high-risk factor for glaucoma. The most common type of Glaucoma, Open-Angle Glaucoma, has no symptoms initially. Glaucoma destroys peripheral vision first and may eventually result in blindness if left untreated. Effects on functional vision include day-to-day changes in vision, tunnel vision, poor night vision, sensitivity to light and glare, difficulty reading, trouble seeing large objects at close range, and decreased perception of black, white and other colors. There are several medical and surgical treatment options when diagnosed early. - Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration, often referred to as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60. AMD causes damage to the central retina (the macula), which may result in central vision loss. Effects on functional vision include reduced detail vision (reading and recognizing faces), sensitivity to light and glare, and poor color vision.
What do I do if I am having problems with my vision?
Take charge and see an eye doctor. This is something you can do for yourself immediately! Make an appointment with an eye doctor, also known as an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Some vision problems can be corrected with glasses or other devices. Many eye diseases start without any symptoms. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, can be managed with an early diagnosis and medication. If you do not have an eye doctor, call the Academy of Ophthalmology at 800-443-9370.
What do I do if my Ophthalmologist tells me there is nothing that can be done about my vision?
If you have low vision and you have some usable vision — for example, you can read newspaper headlines, see billboards, or view people close-up but they appear blurry — you can get a special eye exam called a “Low Vision Evaluation.” This evaluation is in addition to your regular eye exam, and is usually preformed by an Optometrist who specializes in Low Vision. A Low Vision Exam will provide you with information and training regarding the best magnification, lighting and strategies to maximize your usable vision. Contact the LightHouse to find the closest Low Vision Specialist in your area.
What if I am still working and begin to significantly lose my vision? Can I work?
If you have low vision or you are blind, and you want to retain your job or need training to continue working with vision loss, contact the California State Department of Rehabilitation. The LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center can help you find the nearest Blind Field Services Office. The Department of Rehabilitation’s job is to make sure that you continue working if that is your goal.
Also...
Get connected with others experiencing vision loss through a low vision support group in your community.
Peer-led support groups will enable you to learn from others losing their vision and will provide good coping strategies and practical tips for living independently.
Contact our Vision Loss Resource Center to find a support group near you!
Get involved with community and statewide issues that affect persons with vision loss or other disabilities by contacting an advocacy organization. National advocacy groups such as the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind have local chapters. Contact the LightHouse to find a chapter near you. Be part of change!
