Eye conditions◷ 21 July 2026 · By Optom. Yeshwant Saoji
By Shiney Sebastian– Optometrist & Educator, Ex-Senior Faculty, Lotus College of Optometry, Mumbai
What Is Low Vision?
Low vision is vision loss that glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medicine can’t fully correct. It’s not total blindness- some usable vision remains.
Two categories:
- Partially sighted: vision between 20/70 and 20/200 with correction
- Legally blind: vision no better than 20/200 even with correction
What Causes Low Vision?
Ageing alone doesn’t cause low vision- an underlying eye disease does. Common causes include:
- Macular degeneration
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Eye injuries or traumatic brain injury
- Retinopathy of prematurity
- Retinal detachment
Children can develop low vision from some of these same conditions, plus birth-related causes.
Symptoms of Low Vision
- Trouble recognising faces or reading (central vision loss)
- “Tunnel vision” affecting mobility and reading speed (peripheral vision loss)
- Blurred vision even with the best glasses
- A hazy feeling from reduced contrast sensitivity
- Increased glare and light sensitivity
- Night blindness in low light
What Happens in a Low Vision Examination?
A Low Vision Specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) starts by understanding your medical history, daily routine, and how vision loss affects your reading, work, and travel. For children, birth history is reviewed too.
Using special charts, magnifiers, and instruments, the specialist tests visual acuity, depth perception, and visual fields- then builds a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Solutions for Low Vision
Vision loss doesn’t mean giving up your favourite activities- it means adapting how you do them.
Everyday adjustments
- Brighter lighting with gooseneck lamps or high-lumen bulbs
- Reduce glare with wide-brimmed hats or wrap-around sunglasses outdoors
- Boost contrast- e.g., a white plate for dark food, bold markers for notes
Optical aids: magnifying spectacles, stand magnifiers, telescopes- often started early for children
Non-optical aids: audible watches and glucose monitors, large-print books, high-contrast phones, needle threaders
Electronic aids: e-books like Kindle, text-reading apps, voice commands, portable and desktop video magnifiers
Vision rehabilitation training often helps people get the most out of remaining vision.
Can Someone with Low Vision Live Normally?
Yes. With the right techniques, people with low vision manage daily life independently and safely.
If someone you love has low vision, help them identify small adjustments that build confidence and independence- rather than doing things for them.
A Low Vision Specialist can guide this journey. Government and private programs also offer counselling, rehabilitation training, and support allowances.
Can Low Vision Be Prevented?
Often, yes. Timely treatment of diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma can stop further vision loss. Cataract-related low vision can be reversed with surgery. Vitamin A deficiency-related cases improve with supplementation.