Low Vision
What does “low vision” mean?
- Trouble with seeing that makes normal or everyday tasks difficult
- This encapsulates a large range of vision struggles
- Low vision does not necessarily mean a person cannot legally drive, many people with reduced vision can qualify for at least a restricted license
- Glasses or contact lenses usually help but do not completely eliminate vision struggles
- Some conditions that cause low vision may be treatable or even curable (such as cataracts)
What does it mean to be “legally blind”?
- There are two different ways to be considered “legally blind”
- Blurred Vision: when vision is blurred to the point of being no better than 20/200 even with best glasses or contacts in the better eye
- Visual Field: when the visual field is constricted to 10% of central vision remaining in the better eye
- Legal blindness is a term that exists so that those with greatly reduced functional vision can qualify for programs and services that are reserved for the blind.
- The term blindness does not only refer to seeing complete darkness. In fact, the majority of the blind population has some vision (ranging from light perception to legal blindness levels)
Options to Maximize Vision
- Eccentric Fixation: looking off center in cases where central vision is blurred
- Specialized Glasses: often task specific glasses give the best field of vision especially for reading
- Large Print Text: buying large print books or using an e-reader where text can be adjusted larger
- Home Modifications: brighter lighting, high contrast tape for stairs and counters, reduce clutter, etc.
Links to Helpful Products/Services
- Magnifiers
- Talking Watches
- Tactile Stickers (can help with identifying products and buttons ex: differentiating shampoo from conditioner, marking start button on microwave)
- Check Writing Guide
- Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh
Our Office’s Accommodations
- Large print versions of paperwork available
- Helpful staff for guiding needs or other assistance
- Visit our special needs page for more information