What Is Low Vision?

Visual impairments that cannot be corrected by standard spectacles, medication or surgery, and progressively interfere with the ability to perform activities of daily living are called LOW VISION. Age-related Macular Degeneration accounts for about 85% of all low vision impairments. Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Hemianopsia are other forms of low vision.

The prevalence of low vision increases significantly with age. It estimated that as many as 10-15 million adults over age 65 suffer from low vision. Individuals suffering from low vision are vulnerable to a variety of consequences. They are twice as likely to fall; four times as likely to fracture a hip, likely to be placed in nursing home 3 years sooner and suffer three times the prevalence of depression. In fact, some have estimated that the true cost of low vision could make it the 3rd leading cause of health care cost among seniors, after only heart disease and arthritis.