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What if you see less than you think?
Do you have trouble reading, even with your glasses?
Do you avoid driving at night or going out in places that are too dim or too bright?
Are everyday tasks taking more effort than before?
Or maybe you’ve noticed these signs in someone close to you?
It could be an eye condition causing low vision.
Very often, vision loss is gradual and can be minimized or even go unnoticed.
What is low vision?
Low vision is a partial, permanent, and irreversible loss of visual ability. It cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It often affects seniors, who are at higher risk for eye diseases such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. Low vision can also occur earlier when linked to a genetic disease or an accident.
Unfortunately, many patients believe it’s normal to see less well as time goes by. However, regardless of age, any decrease in vision deserves a consultation to explore the best solutions for daily challenges, whether medical (treatments, surgeries) or material (specialized glasses, visual aids)
— Dr. Judith Leblanc, Optometrist at Opto-Réseau
What people with low vision experience
- Difficulty reading, even with glasses
- Trouble recognizing faces
- Avoidance of places that are too dim or too bright
- Falls
- Loss of certain habits (driving, financial independence, etc.)
- Fear of becoming blind, feelings of isolation, frustration… sometimes even shame
What you can do
At Opto-Réseau, we support people with low vision and their loved ones with concrete solutions:
- Comprehensive eye exams to provide all necessary explanations and treatments
- Glasses that optimize residual vision or reduce discomfort such as glare
- Recommendation of appropriate visual aids (magnifiers, electronic video magnifiers)
- Referral to specialized visual rehabilitation centres covered by RAMQ (home adaptations, techniques to facilitate movement, loan of tools and visual aids)
When a patient has low vision, our role is to support them with adapted tools, but also with a human approach. Each case is unique; we must take the time to measure the impact of low vision on the patient’s life. Our goal is to help them maintain as much autonomy and dignity as possible.
— Dr. Judith Leblanc, Optometrist at Opto-Réseau
The role of loved ones
Whether you are personally affected or notice these signs in someone close to you, your listening, kindness, and initiative can make all the difference.
Talk about it.
Book an appointment.
Offer yourself or a loved one the comfort of seeing better… and living better.