The visual field may also become much smaller for a while and slowly increase to its usual size. Nearly one half of all persons with retinitis pigmentosa and many other visually impaired are disturbed by photophobia. Light falling directly into the eyes causes dazzle. Light coloured surfaces may also reflect enough to disturb vision. Decreased contrast sensitivity is a common feature of retinitis pigmentosa and several other eye diseases.
Lips are easier to see if the person uses a contrast pen or lipstick.
Decreased contrast sensitivity can be a problem in play situations. One of my young patients was left alone to ski in a birch forest on a cloudy winter afternoon. The contrasts between the white birch trees, cloudy sky and newly fallen snow were very low. The child could not find his way out of the forest. Persons with limited vision should never be left alone in places where they might not find their way.