What is low vision?
Low vision is a term that refers to a significant visual impairment that can’t be fixed with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. People with low vision have some sight available, but typically have difficulty with side vision and blind spots.
What causes low vision?
Low vision is most often the result of eye disease, genetic birth defects, injury, or old age.
Some of the more common causes of low vision include:
What are the symptoms of low vision?
It’s common for individuals with low vision to experience symptoms such as:
- Loss of central vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Extreme difficulty seeing at night
- Poor depth perception
- Glare sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Hazy vision
How is low vision diagnosed?
Only a licensed eye care specialist can diagnose low vision. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if vision problems prevent you from doing routine activities such as reading, driving, working, or going to school. During your exam, your doctor will use specialized equipment and tests to evaluate your visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision.
How is low vision treated?
While some patients can have their vision restored or maintained while receiving treatment for eye disease, low vision results in permanent vision loss. There are, however, visual aids that can help make daily life a little easier for people with low vision.
Some popular devices include:
- Hand-held and stand magnifying glasses
- Strongly magnified reading glasses
- Electronic magnifying systems
- Reading stands
- Glare-resistant sunglasses
Computer technology can also assist low vision patients. Text-reading and voice-to-text software on mobile devices and tablets are just a few advanced features that may be helpful for people with significant visual impairment.
Regular rehabilitation sessions with a low vision specialist can also provide important skills for adjusting to low vision and performing daily tasks.
What to expect from a low vision specialist
Low vision specialists are licensed doctors of optometry or ophthalmology who are trained to examine and manage patients with significant visual impairments. The goal of a low vision specialist is not to offer a cure for low vision, but to provide education and rehabilitation services that teach the patient how to utilize their remaining vision to its fullest potential.
A visit to a low vision specialist may include a low vision evaluation, training on how to complete visual tasks, education on how to choose a low vision device, or personalized therapy for how to cope with depression or anxiety that manifests as a result of severe vision loss.
Wishing you a year filled with clear vision, good health, and prosperity! As we welcome the Year of the Snake, may your future be bright and full of new possibilities. 🐍
👁️ Start the new year seeing clearly—whether it's LASIK, cataract surgery, or a routine eye exam, we’re here to help you achieve better vision for a brighter tomorrow!
🏝️ From our ohana to yours, Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! 🎊 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Low vision is when even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people have difficulty seeing, which makes everyday tasks difficult to do. The leading causes of vision loss in older adults are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Eye Center of Hawaii provides support for these patients as well as preventative care to preserve vision by diagnosing and treating these conditions before they take vision. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
WOW... the universe! 🛰️ 🌍 We appreciate such strong compliments for our Kona office. Our doctors and staff work hard to provide great care. Big Mahalo! 🤙🏾
#LocalHealth #gratitude #patientcare ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
is there location in Hilo,Hi🌺Big Island
A beautiful review for our Waipahu office. Our caring and loving team and Dr. Kashiwa are so honored to hear these words. Big mahalo Kevin.
#waipahu #CommunityCare #TestimonialTuesday #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
do you accept Kaiser plan
🎆👓 Cheers to a Clearer New Year! 👓🎆
As we say aloha to 2025, we’re excited to help you see every moment clearly—whether it’s new adventures, cherished memories, or achieving your goals.
↗️Ready for an upgrade? Try our stylish new frames at our opticals in Kona or Kauai
⏱️Thinking about LASIK or cataract surgery? Now’s the perfect time!
🗓️Due for your annual eye exam? Let’s keep those eyes healthy in 2025.
Thank you for trusting us with your vision care. Wishing you a bright and beautiful year ahead! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎄🌺 Mele Kalikimaka from Eye Center of Hawaii! 🌺🎄
This holiday season, we’re sending warm island vibes and wishes for clear, healthy vision to all our 'ohana near and far. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook