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Home > Our Services > Low Vision Aids and Devices
Helping You Manage Low Vision with Expert Eye Care

Low Vision

Low Vision Aids and Devices

What is low vision?

Low vision is a vision problem that makes it hard to do everyday activities. It can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments like medicine or surgery. Vision care in Elmhurst, New York, offers support and solutions for those managing the challenges of low vision.

You may have low vision if you can’t see well enough to do things like:

  • Read
  • Drive
  • Recognize people’s faces
  • Tell colors apart
  • See your television or computer screen clearly
Low Vision Aids and Devices

What are the types of low vision?

The type of low vision that you have depends on the disease or condition that caused your low vision. The most common types of low vision are:

  • Central vision loss (not being able to see things in the center of your vision)
  • Peripheral vision loss (not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes)
  • Night blindness (not being able to see in low light)
  • Blurry or hazy vision
Low Vision Aids and Devices

What causes low vision?

Various eye conditions can cause low vision, but the most common causes are:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes)
  • Glaucoma

Low vision is more common in older adults because many of the diseases that can cause it are more common in older adults. Aging doesn’t cause low vision on its own.

Low vision can also develop due to eye or brain injuries and certain genetic disorders.

Low Vision Aids and Devices

How will my eye doctor check for low vision?

Your doctor can check for low vision as part of a dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. The eye exam will require you to read letters that are up close and far away, and will check whether you can see things in the center and at the edges of your vision.

Then, eye drops will be given to dilate your pupil and check for other eye problems, including conditions that could cause low vision.

Low Vision Aids and Devices

What’s the treatment for low vision?

Unfortunately, low vision is usually permanent. Eyeglasses, medicine, and surgery can’t usually cure low vision, but sometimes they can improve vision, help you do everyday activities more easily, or keep your vision from getting worse.

Treatment options will depend on the specific eye condition that caused your low vision. Ask your doctor if any treatments could improve your vision or help protect your remaining vision.

Low Vision Aids and Devices

How can I make the most of my remaining sight?

If you have low vision, you can find ways to make the most of your vision and keep doing the things you love to do.
If your vision loss is minor, you may be able to make small changes to help yourself see better. You can do things like:

  • Use brighter lights at home or work
  • Wear anti-glare sunglasses
  • Use a magnifying lens for reading and other up-close activities

If your vision loss is getting in the way of everyday activities, ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. Therapies and training are provided by a specialist to help you learn how to live with your vision loss. This can include things like:

Low Vision Aids and Devices
  • Training on how to use a magnifying device for reading
  • Guidance for setting up your home so you can move around easily
  • Sharing resources to help you cope with your vision loss

At Visual Ophthalmology Services, we continuously invest in new technologies and training methods that improve our ability to help people with low vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions about low vision aids and how they can assist individuals with visual impairment.

What qualifies as low vision?
Low vision refers to a level of visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected by glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It typically interferes with everyday activities such as reading, recognizing faces, or navigating spaces.
Are low vision aids covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover certain low vision devices, though coverage often varies. A consultation with a vision specialist can help determine eligibility and guide patients through documentation.
How do electronic magnifiers work?
Electronic magnifiers use a camera and a screen to enlarge text or images, offering adjustable magnification, color contrast, and brightness settings. They are especially helpful for extended reading or detailed tasks.
Can low vision aids help with macular degeneration?
Yes, several types of low vision aids are designed specifically for patients with central vision loss caused by macular degeneration. These may include magnifiers, special lenses, or electronic devices.
Is training required to use these devices?
While some devices are intuitive, many patients benefit from training sessions to understand how to use them effectively. Training ensures users get the most out of their aids and helps improve daily function.
Do these aids restore vision?
Low vision aids do not restore lost vision but enhance the use of remaining sight. They are designed to help individuals adapt and maintain independence despite permanent impairment.
What is the difference between low vision and blindness?
Low vision involves significant vision loss that affects daily life, but does not mean total blindness. People with low vision still have some usable sight, while blindness refers to a complete or near-complete lack of vision.

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