February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Courtesy of Precision Vision

Low vision is the term used to refer to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses, or contact lenses. It is often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots, or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of all ages but is primarily associated with older adults.

Some of the most common causes of Low Vision are Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD/ARMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Cataracts, as well as Retinitis Pigmentosa. There are also many additional causes of low vision, including strokes, TBI (traumatic brain injury), and other diseases common among a wider age range such as Stargardts, albinism, ROP (retinopathy of prematurity), among others.

There is a bright side! Proper diagnosis and vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision lead very normal lives. Low Vision Awareness Month is a time to spread the word about vision rehabilitation and how people with low vision can live full, active lives. We ask that you join the world’s Low Vision Pioneers not only this month but every day while we all Lead the Fight Against Blindness!