Bad vision, also known as low vision, significantly impacts a person's ability to see clearly. It encompasses a range of conditions resulting in reduced visual acuity, impacting daily life.
Types of Bad Vision
Low vision is categorized into two main types:
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Partial Sight: Visual acuity falls between 20/70 and 20/200. This means a person with 20/70 vision sees at 20 feet what a person with normal vision (20/20) sees at 70 feet.
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Legal Blindness: Visual acuity is 20/200 or worse, even with corrective lenses. This significantly limits daily activities.
Symptoms of Bad Vision
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity but can include:
- Poor night vision: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
- Blind spots: Areas in the visual field where vision is absent.
- Issues with glare: Sensitivity to bright light, causing discomfort and reduced vision.
- Blurred vision: Images appear hazy or indistinct.
- Difficulty seeing details: Trouble distinguishing fine print or small objects.
Causes of Bad Vision
Many factors contribute to bad vision, including:
- Refractive errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism.
- Age-related macular degeneration: Damage to the macula, the central part of the retina.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes.
Impact of Bad Vision
Low vision dramatically affects daily life, impacting activities like:
- Driving: Reduced ability to see clearly, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Reading: Difficulty reading text, especially small print.
- Working: Challenges in performing tasks requiring fine visual detail.
- Social interaction: Reduced ability to recognize faces or body language.
Bad vision necessitates professional diagnosis and management. Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include corrective lenses, medications, surgery, or assistive devices.
