Helping Low Vision Individuals Navigate Life in Connecticut
Millions of people worldwide live with low vision, which significantly impairs visual function and cannot be fully corrected with visual aids. Don't lose hope if you or a loved one is facing challenges due to low vision. TotalVision offers support and solutions to maximize your remaining vision and maintain independence.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a term used when conventional eyeglasses, contact lenses, medical treatment, or surgery cannot correct a person’s vision. This condition significantly interferes with daily activities and reduces a person's ability to perform routine tasks.
Low vision can vary from moderate visual impairment to near-total blindness. Although low vision is a chronic condition that does not have a cure, many individuals can benefit greatly from visual rehabilitation and various adaptive devices.
The Different Types of Low Vision
The different types of low vision often reflect the particular aspect of vision that is affected. Here are some common types:
- Central Vision Loss occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision used in tasks like reading or recognizing faces, is damaged or dysfunctional.
- Peripheral Vision Loss (Tunnel Vision): Tunnel vision is the loss of side vision while central vision remains intact. It can be particularly challenging as it affects the ability to navigate different spaces.
- Night Blindness: An inability or reduced ability to see in low light or darkness, night blindness severely impacts function in dim environments.
- Blurred Vision: Vision that is hazy or out of focus and cannot be corrected fully with prescription glasses.
Conditions That Can Cause Low Vision
Several conditions and diseases can lead to low vision, impacting individuals of all ages. The most common causes include:
Age-related macular Degeneration (AMD): Causes central vision loss by affecting the macula, the central part of the retina. This leads to a loss of detailed vision, which is crucial for reading and recognizing faces.
Glaucoma: This leads to peripheral vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, often gradually narrowing the field of vision until only central vision remains.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: Results in peripheral vision loss and night blindness. This genetic disorder progressively diminishes peripheral vision and severely impairs vision in low-light conditions.
Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, fluid leakage, and the growth of new vessels, which can blur vision.
Cataracts: The clouding of the lens inside the eye causes light to scatter before it hits the retina, resulting in blurred vision and the sensation of looking through a foggy or frosted window.
Low Vision Services at TotalVision
We are dedicated to helping low vision individuals enhance their quality of life through various support services and aids. Our offerings include:
- Comprehensive Low Vision Evaluations: We assess how your vision affects your daily activities and propose customized solutions.
- Visual Aids: We provide a range of aids such as magnifying glasses, telescopic glasses, high-powered lenses, and electronic devices.
- Adaptive Technology Training: Learn how to use technology to enhance your ability to see and interact with content.
- Environmental Modifications: Recommendations on how to adapt your home or work environment to better suit your vision needs.
Our team is here to help you adapt to your visual limitations and regain confidence in your daily activities. Visit TotalVision in Hartford and New London to explore how our low vision services can assist you or your loved ones.