What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is a medical condition for types of visual impairment where conventional corrective measures such as regular glasses, contact lenses, and surgical or medical treatment cannot adequately correct the deficit. It often presents with the following:

  • Loss in visual acuity or "sharpness"
  • Visual field loss
  • Night-blindness
  • Problems with light sensitivity or perception
  • Central vision loss
  • Hazy vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of peripheral vision which creates a "tunnel vision" effect

Low vision is the result of partial but irreversible visual impairment. A diagnosis does not mean that you are blind. It just means that you have problems that cannot be corrected with conventional interventions, and that you may require vision devices and training to enhance your remaining eyesight. In most instances, a person retains some degree of vision that usually responds well to specialty glasses or other vision aid.

We are here to help you!

Many people with this condition are told by eyecare professionals that there is nothing that can be done to help them. As optometrists with years of experience, we know this isn’t so!

We specialize in low vision care and offer an array of specialty devices and aids such as bioptic telescopes, magnifiers, and non-optical devices that can be used to improve your ability to engage in routine and recreational activities. These include such activities as watching television, reading newspapers, and recognizing people’s faces. Some people are even able to drive!

The important thing to know is that with proper and timely intervention most people are able to enjoy a high quality of life, and to continue to participate in their favorite activities.

Looking Through the Eyes of a Low Vision Patient

Although visual impairment and its impact on daily life varies depending on the condition and how it developed, the pictures below provide good examples of how certain deficits often manifest. (pictures here)

What Causes Low Vision?

There are a variety of diseases, disorders, and types of eye injury affecting the optic nerve that may cause impairment and a diagnosis of low vision. These include types of acute and traumatic brain injury. Medical conditions that are known to cause this condition include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, corneal diseases, optic nerve atrophy, and strokes. Age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 45 percent of such cases.

Early Detection and Treatment

Most eye conditions and diseases have no early symptoms. And in the case of low vision, standard corrective measures such as contact lenses, specialty glasses, optical and non-optical aids, and surgery don't work. This is why we recommend yearly eye exams with an optometrist, particularly if you have a family history of eye disease. If low vision is detected early enough we can often minimize vision loss.

If you have been told by an optometrist that you have low vision or suspect that you may have this condition, contact us to schedule an eye evaluation, and to discuss the use of different vision aids and devices to improve your quality of life.
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Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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