Low Vision

Low vision is not the same as total blindness. Most people with low vision retain some functional sight, and with the right assessment, tools, and support, they can continue to live independently and maintain their quality of life.

At Pure Sight Eye Surgeons, we provide thorough assessment to determine the cause and extent of vision loss, ensure all treatable conditions are being managed optimally, and guide patients toward the support and resources that can help them make the most of their remaining vision.

What Counts as Low Vision?

Clinically, low vision is generally defined as best-corrected visual acuity worse than 6/60 (meaning you see at 6 metres what someone with normal sight sees at 60 metres) or significant loss of visual field, even after the best available correction and treatment. It ranges from moderate vision loss through to near-total vision loss.

Low vision can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying condition:

• Central vision loss — difficulty seeing fine detail, reading, or recognising faces, while side vision remains (common in macular degeneration)
• Peripheral (side) vision loss — tunnel-like vision where the central area is clear but the surrounding field is reduced (common in advanced glaucoma)
• Generalised blur — everything appears hazy or out of focus, even with correction
• Extreme light sensitivity — difficulty seeing comfortably in bright conditions
• Poor night vision — difficulty seeing in dim light or at night

Common Causes

Low vision is most commonly caused by eye conditions that have progressed to a stage where full correction is no longer possible. The main causes include:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the most common cause of low vision in older Australians, affecting central vision
• Glaucoma — advanced glaucoma causes progressive peripheral vision loss and, eventually, central vision loss
• Diabetic retinopathy — diabetes-related damage to the retinal blood vessels can lead to significant vision loss
• Inherited retinal conditions — conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa cause progressive vision loss, often beginning in younger adults
• Stroke or brain injury — damage to the visual pathways in the brain can cause permanent vision loss
• Other causes — including severe corneal disease, optic nerve damage, and complications from eye surgery or injury

Assessment

If your vision has deteriorated to the point where it’s affecting your daily life, a low vision assessment can help determine what support will be most useful. This involves:

• A detailed review of your visual function, including distance and near acuity, contrast sensitivity, colour perception, and visual field
• An assessment of how your vision loss is affecting specific daily activities
• A review of your current eye condition and whether any further medical or surgical treatment is possible
• Discussion of low vision aids and assistive technology that may help
• Referral to appropriate support services

Living with Low Vision

While low vision can’t always be fully corrected, a range of tools and strategies can help maximise your remaining vision and maintain independence:

Optical aids

Magnifiers (handheld, stand-mounted, and spectacle-mounted), telescopes for distance viewing, and high-powered reading glasses can all help with specific tasks. The right device depends on the type and extent of your vision loss.

Electronic and digital aids

Screen readers, magnification software, large-print keyboards, tablets with adjustable text size, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) magnifiers can make reading and computer use accessible. Voice-activated assistants and talking devices (clocks, scales, medication reminders) can also help with daily tasks.

Environmental modifications

Improved lighting (particularly task lighting for reading and cooking), high-contrast labels and markers, reduced glare, and decluttering can all make a significant difference to daily function and safety.

Support services

Several organisations in Australia provide specialised support for people with low vision, including:

• Vision Australia — offers a range of services including occupational therapy, technology training, and counselling
• Guide Dogs Australia — provides orientation and mobility training as well as guide dog services
• The Macular Disease Foundation Australia — offers information, support groups, and resources specifically for people with macular conditions

Your ophthalmologist or GP can arrange referrals to these and other services.

Frequently Asked Questions