 Low Vision Devices
What is low vision?
Low vision is a condition that involves a minimal ability to see (particularly central
vision) that is unresolved or uncorrected with traditional eyeglasses, contact lens,
intraocular lens implants, or corrective surgery. However, in some cases, persons with low
vision may be aided with special visual devices.
What causes low vision?
There are a variety of different causes of low vision, including, but not limited to, the
following:
macular degeneration (the most common cause of low vision; involves
damage to a person's central vision making it difficult to read, drive, or perform other
daily activities that require fine, central vision)
aging (Aging is a risk factor for low vision, however, persons of any
age may be affected.)
congenital defects (present at birth)
injury
disease (including diabetes)
other eye diseases (i.e., glaucoma, cataracts)
What are the different types of low vision?
Although, in most cases, persons with low vision have disabled central vision (also called
reading vision), there are other types of low vision which may include the following:
disabled or partial peripheral vision
disabled or partial color vision
disabled or partial ability to adjust to different light settings
disabled or partial ability to adjust to different contrasts
glared vision
What are low vision devices?
Because low vision cannot be improved by more traditional methods (i.e., the use of
eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.) persons with low vision often rely on the use of a
number of different instruments, called low vision devices, and tailored equipment for  improved vision. Low vision devices, categorized as
either optical or non-optical, help to improve visual ability for millions of people
everyday.
What are optical low vision devices?
Simply stated, optical low vision devices involve the use of one of many types of lenses
to improve vision. For example:
magnifying devices (i.e., magnifying eyeglasses, hand magnifiers,
magnifying lamps, telescopic viewing devices, etc.)
closed circuit television, or CCTV (involves enlarged images,
exaggerated contrasts, and adjustable magnification)
What are non-optical low vision devices?
Non-optical low vision devices help bring images closer to the eyes. This may include the
use of any, or all, of the following:
larger print items (i.e., magazines, newspapers, books, calendars,
address books, cookbooks, dictionaries, games, playing cards, sheet music, street signs,
etc.)
larger, illuminated watches and clocks
writing guides
instruments that provide voice instruction (i.e., computers)
instruments that provide voice information (i.e., clocks, timers,
calculators, scales, keychains, etc.)
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