Low vision or visually impaired terms used to describe people with significant vision loss that can not be corrected medically or surgically. These vision problems impact work, school, recreation and other activities of daily living. Eye Diseases Cataracts - a clouding of the eye s lens that diminishes vision. Visual symptoms depend on where the blood vessel changes are taking place in your eye s retina. Glaucoma - fluid that does not properly drain causes pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Glaucoma affects side vision before central vision is affected.
Optic atrophy - a degeneration of the optic nerve, the fibers that transmit electrical information from the retina to the brain where it is translated into vision, that leads to loss of clarity or changes in the field of vision, or both. Retinitis pigmentosa - a hereditary eye disorder causing gradual destruction of the retina. Sight loss is usually gradual but progressive. Vision Care Professionals Ophthalmologist a medical doctor trained in vision and eye diseases who is licensed to perform surgery on the eyeball. Individuals with serious vision problems need to see their ophthalmologist regularly to insure their condition does not become more severe.