There are approximately three million Americans who suffer from visual conditions that are not correctable by standard glasses or contact lenses. People with low vision often cannot perform daily routine activities, such as reading the newspaper, preparing meals, or recognizing faces of friends. The graying of our population will be a key factor in the increasing rates of low vision and have a significant effect on our health care system. The inability to see well affects functional capabilities and social interactions and can lead to a loss of independence. However, while there is nothing medically that can be done for patients with low vision, their quality of life can be greatly improved.
Optical devices use lenses or combinations of lenses to provide magnification.
Also included in this category are auditory aids, such as talking computers. As the leading source of vision research funds in the United States, the NEI is committed to furthering progress in the area of low vision research. Among other information, this research will provide improved understanding of the sensory constraints of normal reading. It is estimated that over half of the people with AMD also have cataracts. The study also will assess the combined effects of cataracts and AMD on reading, face recognition, other everyday visual activities, and health-related quality of life issues.