Living a quality life while suffering the effects of low vision is challenging to all those who have experienced the condition. Whether your favourite past time of reading a good book or the morning newspaper has become demanding, work tasks are becoming increasingly difficult, or you feel that driving has become an unsafe adventure for yourself and other road users, there are simple and effective ways to alleviate and cure low vision conditions, allowing you to get on with living your life the way you want. Vision loss can be frustrating and traumatic.

The term 'low vision' refers to a condition where an individual suffers from a significant visual impairment caused by a variety of factors which include macula degeneration, eye trauma, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment or hereditary and birth defects.

As the symptoms of low vision are not universal, patients will often complain of numerous vision ailments and issues which must be further investigated by a qualified optometrist to ascertain the particular impairment that the individual is suffering from, as well as the best course of action to correct the impairment. However, there are certain symptoms that people should be wary of, and if experiencing any of these, should consult with an optometrist to halt the further decline of vision. These symptoms can include a blurring or loss of vision in the central vision zone, tunnel vision where the central vision is not impaired but the individuals peripheral vision is affected, sensitivity to bright light, night blindness, the seeing of shadows or dull patches, and experiences of reduced vision and colour perception.

If you find that you are experiencing any of these symptoms an appointment with an optometrist should be made immediately. This is not only to address the vision issue at hand, but to prevent any further degradation of the condition of the eye. When these conditions are left untreated, the result is often permanent eye damage. An optometrist will take you through the process of an eye examination, which includes noting a detailed case history, finding out the exact ailments you are suffering from and recommending suitable and alternative solutions to address the specific vision issues. Any equipment, such as reading or bifocal glasses, contact lenses or other reading devices that may be recommended will be thoroughly explained in terms of their use, care and maintenance.

If the optometrist ascertains that there is a condition which cannot be suitably resolved with corrective eyewear or other low vision aids, suggestions will be made for other options, including medical treatment or corrective surgery. What is of most importance is to recognise any symptoms at an early stage and consult with an experienced optometrist immediately. If detected early, the return to a quality of life experienced with great vision is a simple appointment away.