It is estimated that at least 13 million Americans over the age of 45 suffer from low vision impairments that qualify as low vision. Some of the difficulties associated with low vision include problems with contrast, glare, and lighting. Contrast allows us to see different shades of the same color. For example, the flat parts of a step on a flight of stairs is brighter than the vertical part. Good contrast sensitivity is needed to distinguish between the two levels of brightness.
Glare can be a real problem for people with glaucoma.
Whether it is from the sun or a bright indoor light, glare can reduce the brightness differences and impair contrast sensitivity. Tinted lenses can be used to lessen the effects of some glare problems. Lighting refers to the amount of available light. Most people who have glaucoma are very sensitive to excessive lighting, especially extreme sunlight. Moderately lit conditions also pose a problem and usually require additional lighting.