What causes the Low Vision, and is it considered a disability?

Low vision is an eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you fail to address the issue, it may result in visual impairment. This form of impairment is not correctable with pharmaceutical intervention, or surgery, or by the application of the prescribed contact lenses and glasses for women and men.

Low vision is principally characteristic of partial sight, blind spots, blurring of vision and tunnel vision. Although this eye condition can affect anyone regardless of age, it is largely prevalent amongst adults.

What are the causes that result in low vision?

Muscular degeneration in the human eye is cited to be the most important cause of low vision. As the muscles degenerate, the retina is the first to get affected. The retina is situated at the back of the eye and is very sensitive to light. All the images are focused on the retina. Due to this abnormal development, the vision becomes blurred.

Another cause that contributes to resulting in low vision is diabetic retinopathy. As the name suggests, this problem chiefly affects those who are suffering from diabetes. Due to diabetes, the vision goes through constant changes. Diabetes develops abnormal branches in the blood vessels that lead to leaking. This situation may amount to severe vision damage and low vision. 

Cataract is another cause that results in the low-vision eye condition. Cataracts cloud the surface of the lens influencing the total quantity of light that enters the retina of the eye. This occurrence also may result in a complete loss of vision. Therefore, in case you are suffering from cataracts, it is important that you take care of your eyes. If you feel any discomfort, you must get an appointment with the doctor for consultation.

Long-term exposure to the harmful ultraviolet light emitted by the sun causes low vision. The sun emits UVA and UVB rays that are harsh to the eyes. If you spend a long duration under the sun with your eyes exposed, then it may increase the chances of low vision. Whether you suffer from any eye condition or not, you must use sunglasses. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses and wear them for protection every time you go outdoors.

Glaucoma often tends to cause low vision. Due to drainage of fluid within the eye, the internal pressure of the eyes increases. On account of increased internal pressure, an inadequate amount of blood flows into the optic nerve. This situation lends itself to damaging the optic nerve.

Retinal detachment is also strongly contributive to damaging the eyesight to the point of vision impairment. Retinal detachment happens as and when the retina gets detached from the underlying layer. If the situation is left unaddressed, it may result in vision impairment. There are several situations in which the retina can detach - an eye infection, eye trauma, development of a hole in the retina itself or even a disturbance in the blood vessel of the eyes. To avoid the same, the doctor will prescribe the right eyewear for you.