DR. BOB'S BLOG

Low vision is a loss of eyesight that cannot be improved with conventional glasses, contact lenses or surgical intervention.  Low vision interferes with a person's ability to perform their everyday tasks.  It is a condition in which the visual acuity is 20/70 or poorer in the better-seeing eye and cannot be corrected or improved with glasses or contact lenses.  Low vision can be caused by birth defects, eye injuries, certain diseases of the body and aging.  But most commonly it is due to macular degeneration - a condition that causes the central vision to blur while the peripheral vision remains unchanged.  It interferes with reading and recognizing faces.  A comprehensive eye examination by an Optometrist can evaluate a patients current level of vision and determine the cause of the loss of sight.  Your Optometrists can then establish the best treatment plan.  Patients can benefit from magnifiers, tinted lenses, improved lighting and large print material.  In advanced cases your Optometrist may refer you to the Low Vision Clinic or CNIB.