February is Low Vision Awareness Month. This month raises awareness about visual impairment. It highlights the challenges faced by people living with low vision.
 

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision means having trouble seeing clearly, even with regular glasses or contacts. Low vision makes things like reading, walking, and writing challenging. Millions of Americans over 40 have low vision. That number may double by 2030.
 

What Causes Low Vision?

Many eye diseases can cause low vision. In older adults, it usually comes from AMD. That stands for age-related macular degeneration. Other significant causes are diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. In young people, low vision often happens because of genetic conditions. Sometimes, it happens due to infections, inflammation, or injury.
 

Problems from Low Vision

Imagine trying to read text on your phone, but the words look blurry or blank. That shows one issue low vision can cause. Other problems include difficulty driving, walking, seeing faces, and more. So, low vision prevents people from living normal, active lives.
 

Living with Low Vision

Low vision can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, people can adapt and adjust over time. Vision rehabilitation teaches new life skills and tools. Things like using magnifiers, smartphones, computers, and more can help you complete daily tasks. Counseling builds coping strategies as well. People learn new ways to safely do self-care, housework, errands, and hobbies, allowing for independent living with low vision.
 

Supporting Those with Low Vision

If you know someone living with low vision, support them. Ask how you can help make things easier at home or work. Listen openly and give positive encouragement. Understand their limitations but still recognize their abilities. With care and support from others, people can thrive despite low vision.
 

Importance of Early Detection

Another key thing is detecting low vision early. Many causes are treatable if caught soon enough. Yearly eye exams allow the detection of issues before vision loss. Look for symptoms like trouble reading smaller text, blurred or distorted vision, and poor night vision. Pay attention to the early signs. Early detection means preserving more sight.
 

Low Vision Is Common but Misunderstood

Although millions have low vision, public awareness is low. Most people know little about it. Low Vision Awareness Month fixes this by educating others. When people understand the condition better, they can provide better support. Low vision may be a growing problem, but you can help those impacted live whole lives.
 

Vision Rehabilitation Services

A big part of Low Vision Awareness Month spotlights vision rehabilitation services. These are key for those experiencing low vision. Vision rehab trains people on adaptive techniques using special devices, allowing for continuous daily activities despite vision loss.
 

Rehab gives customized strategies to navigate the world safely. Counseling also aids in adjustment to vision limitations. Thanks to these services, people can gain skills empowering independent living.
 

Connecting People to Helpful Resources

Another purpose behind Low Vision Awareness Month is to connect people to resources. Many newly diagnosed with low vision do not know the options available. The awareness campaign points people to useful national and local support services.
 

These include places to access vision assistive tools, get vision rehab training, and receive financial assistance. It also guides online peer support communities. So, those dealing with low vision can find ways forward.
 

A major force in this awareness effort is the National Eye Institute. The NEI offers helpful materials, like a “What You Should Know About Low Vision” booklet, describing the conditions, challenges, and solutions surrounding low vision.
 

Videos with inspiring stories are available too. Their website also links people with local low-vision rehab places that assist in adjusting. Overall, their resources enlighten and empower those living with visual impairments. People with low vision can enjoy full, meaningful lives with compassion and support from others.
 

For more on low vision awareness month, visit Gregg Family Eye Care at our offices in North Wales or Secane, Pennsylvania. Call (215) 699-2020 or (610) 831-4300 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/vision-rehabilitation-resources/low-vision-awareness-month