Low Vision

Low Vision

A visual impairment not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery that interferes with daily functioning.

Macular Degeneration

A progressive eye disease causing loss of central vision due to degeneration of macular cells, while peripheral vision remains intact.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The most common form of macular degeneration affecting older adults, leading to gradual central vision loss.

Dry (Atrophic) AMD

The most common type of AMD; caused by thinning and breakdown of macular tissue.

Wet (Neovascular/Exudative) AMD

A more severe form of AMD involving abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina, leading to leakage and scarring.

Geographic Macular Degeneration

An advanced form of dry AMD characterized by well-defined areas of cell death in the retina.

Juvenile Macular Degeneration

A hereditary form of macular degeneration occurring in children or young adults.

Early Macular Degeneration

Stage where the retina shows unhealthy changes but vision is not yet significantly affected.

Intermediate Macular Degeneration

Disease is evident and starting to affect vision in one or both eyes.

Advanced Macular Degeneration

Significant loss of central vision that may occur gradually or suddenly.

Glaucoma

A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure, leading to vision loss.

Term

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type; fluid drainage is gradually blocked, leading to slow optic nerve damage.

Neovascular Glaucoma

A secondary form of glaucoma caused by abnormal new blood vessel growth blocking drainage channels.

Cataract

A clouding of the lens due to clumping of proteins, which decreases the amount of light reaching the retina.

Nuclear Cataract

Cataract that develops in the central (nuclear) part of the lens.

Cortical Cataract

Cataract that affects the outer (cortical) layer of the lens.

Term

Common Symptoms of Low Vision

Blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty with reading, driving, recognizing faces, or distinguishing contrast.

Impact on Occupational Performance

Low vision can limit independence, mobility, safety, and ability to perform daily living activities such as reading, cooking, or managing medications

Subcapsular Cataract

Cataract that forms just beneath the lens capsule, often progressing quickly.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type; fluid drainage is gradually blocked, leading to slow optic nerve damage.