Home Remedies and Herbs for Low Vision (Decreased Vision)

Low vision is a term that describes a condition whereby the person doesn’t have normal vision. Normal vision is called 20/20. People with low vision have less than 20/20 vision. The more vision decreases, the more difficult it is for the person to see objects clearly.

Low vision is a common hereditary condition and can typically be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, if low vision continues to decrease, it may become so low that it cannot be fully corrected with contacts or glasses.¹
 
What Causes Low Vision (Decreased Vision)?

There are many low vision causes. Generally, low vision is caused by some condition affecting the central part of the retina. Certain conditions or injuries cause the retina to deteriorate, which leads to loss of sight.¹

Low vision is primarily associated with aging, and the majority of people with low vision are elderly.^1,2 Some possible low vision causes include:

• Birth defects
• Injuries
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Optic nerve damage
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetes
• Light sensitivity
• Genetic history of low vision

Low Vision (Decreased Vision) Symptoms
 
Low vision symptoms can differ depending on the cause and severity of the decrease in vision.² General low vision symptoms include:

• Blurred objects and not being able to see at a distance
• Cloudy or fuzzy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of contrast
• Poor peripheral vision
• Blind spots
• Tunnel vision
• Loss of central vision

References

1. http://www.cnib.ca/en/your-eyes/eye-conditions/low-vision/Pages/default.aspx
2. http://www.allaboutvision.com/lowvision/overview.htm