• What is low vision?
• Ways to help low vision>
• Types of low vision aid
• Using low vision aids
• Everyday tips to help low vision
• Information on eye diseases
• How the eye works

People with low vision very often still have useful sight that they can use in their daily lives. A visit to an optometrist or low vision specialist can help you to maximise the use of the remaining vision using low vision aids.

How to make things easier to see

Magnification - Making things larger

Making things larger usually makes them easier to see.  Things can be made larger by moving them closer to your eye and by using magnifiers which can help you to see them.

Why do we use magnification?

Diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy can result in blind spots or blocked out areas, called scotomas, within the central field of vision.  When looking at something these blind spots can obstruct the object, partially or completely, making it difficult or impossible to recognise.  If the object is magnified, however, the blind spots cause less obstruction, making the object easier to see.  The following pictures give an example.

Normal                                                3x Magnification

How do we achieve magnification?

1. Increase Image Size…Large print books, newspapers, etc
2. Decrease viewing distance…sit closer to TV
3. Magnifiers
4. Computer packages
5. Electronic/CCTV

Illumination – Making things brighter

You can make things easier to see by using better lighting.  Most people with low vision find that additional lighting helps greatly in being able to achieve visual tasks.  You need to have as much light as feels comfortable for each task.  Adding light helps to enhance the contrast of objects in view. 

For example, adding illumination when reading newspaper print can make it easier to distinguish letters on the page.

Contrast – Make things bolder

With low vision it can be harder to see things that are similar in colour to the background they are on.  Contrast is about how much something appears to stand out from its background because of its colour or the shade of the colour it is.  Objects can be made easier to see by putting them on a contrasting colour background e.g a white cup on a dark surface or cloth.

Living with low vision

Life can be quite ‘different’ with low vision.  With the right attitude and support, however, independence and a good quality of life can be maintained.  When you first find that you have low vision it is important to give yourself a chance to come to terms with your new situation and not be too hard on yourself.  Talking to the people you live with about how you are finding things and how difficult it might be can help them to understand.  Two way communication, where you really explain to your family what you can see/can’t see/can do/can’t do will help them to know how to help you.

Key things to remember:

• Give yourself time to adjust to your new situation
• Talk to others, particularly your family, to let them understand.  They will want to help but may not know how.  Talking openly will mean they can help you to make the most of the sight you have.