Types of Low Vision

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TYPES OF LOW VISION  (download poster)
Reduced Contrast and Glare
Albinism
Achromatopsia
Aniridia
Optic Atrophy
Corneal Dystrophies & Degeneration
Cataracts


 Peripheral Visual Field Loss
Glaucoma
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Hemianopsia
Trauma related vision loss
    Central Visual Field Loss
   Macular Degeneration
   Macular Dystrophy
   Cone-Rod Dystrophy
   Diabetic Retinopathy 
NORMAL VISION 

This is an image of how one with normal vision would see a butterfly.

 The scene appears clearly focused and unobstructed. The horizontal field of vision with both eyes is 180 degrees.
 
 REDUCED CONTRAST and GLARE
This is an image of how one with macular degeneration would see a butterfly.

ALBINISM is a lack of normal pigmentation and can affect eyes with or without affecting skin and hair. People with albinism usually have nystagmus, or a shaking movement of their eyes, reduced ability to see small details and difficulty in bright light conditions.
This is an image of how one with cataracts would see a butterfly.

CATARACTS are a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. They are most often a result of the aging process but can occur early in life or even be present at birth. They result in a cloudiness of vision and problems with glare. They typically do not result in low vision by themselves, because they can usually be removed surgically, though they can accompany other conditions resulting in low vision. Some individuals may not be able to tolerate cataract surgery due to other health issues.
This is an image of how one with cataracts would see a butterfly. CORNEAL DISEASE OR INJURY results in a cloudiness of the normally clear front surface of the eye. Some corneal diseases are genetically inherited, some are caused by infections and some corneal scars are caused by injuries. Cloudiness or scarring of the cornea results in glare and loss of the ability to see small details. Contact lenses may be helpful.
 
 PERIPHERAL VISUAL FIELD LOSS 
This is an image of how one with glaucoma would see a butterfly.

GLAUCOMA is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the start of the connective pathway between the eye and the brain. High pressure inside the eye is the biggest risk factor, although a small percentage of individuals develop glaucoma with pressures that are usually considered normal. In its early stages, glaucoma results in a loss of contrast sensitivity, so objects of low contrast may appear "washed out". Later, it results in a reduction of peripheral (side) vision and may lead to a reduction in ability to see small details in its advanced stages.
 This is an image of how one with glaucoma would see a butterfly. RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA is a genetically inherited eye disease. Its onset can occur during childhood or adulthood. Its first symptom is usually night blindness. Later, peripheral (side) vision is lost. Inability to see small details can occur in advanced stages of the disease. It is a slowly progressive disease that can lead to total blindness in some individuals.

This is an image of how one with hemianopsia would see a butterfly.

This is an image of how one with hemianopsia would see a butterfly.

 HEMIANOPSIA is a loss of one half of the field of vision, most often occurring in both eyes. Some common causes are stroke, head trauma and brain tumor. It most often results in an inability to see objects to one side and can cause individuals to bump into objects in their missing field of vision. Two examples are shown at left.
   
CENTRAL VISUAL FIELD LOSS
This is an image of how one with macular degeneration would see a butterfly.

 MACULAR DEGENERATION usually affects individuals over 50 years of age. It involves the macula, which is the center part of the retina at the back of the eye and the most sensitive central vision. This results in difficulty seeing small details. People with this eye disease may or may not be aware of a blind spot in the center of their vision. Peripheral (side) vision, used to avoid bumping into large objects, is preserved. This disease does not lead to total blindness.
 This is an image of how one with macular degeneration would see a butterfly. STARGARDT'S MACULAR DYSTOPHY is a genetically inherited eye disease that involves the macula, which is the center part of the retina at the back of the eye. Its onset is usually in individuals less than 20 years old. It also results in difficulty seeing small details, and individuals with this eye disease may or may not be aware of a blind spot in the center of their vision. Vision loss usually progresses to a certain point, then remains relatively constant. This disease and a few other eye conditions are sometimes called "juvenile macular degeneration.
   This is an image of how one with diabetic retinopathy would see a butterfly.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY is caused by damage to small blood vessels in the eye as a result of diabetes. It can affect vision in many ways. Diabetic macular edema, or swelling of the central part of the retina, can cause difficulty seeing small details or distortion of vision. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, can result in severe vision loss due to bleeding into the eye, or a detachment of the retina.