Low Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and How Lynn Valley Optometry Can Help
- Dr. Leena Panaich
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Low vision is a common challenge for many adults and seniors in North Vancouver and across Canada. It doesn’t mean blindness — it means you still have usable sight, but traditional glasses, contact lenses, or surgery can no longer fully correct your vision.
While blindness refers to the complete loss of vision, low vision means there is still visual potential that can be optimized with specialized care. At Lynn Valley Optometry, we focus on helping patients make the most of their remaining sight through low vision rehabilitation, adaptive devices, and personalized training to restore confidence and independence.
What Is Low Vision and Who Does It Affect?
The standard for normal sight is 20/20 vision. If you can only see 20/70 or worse, even with your best glasses or contact lenses, you are considered to have low vision.
That means if you’re standing 20 feet from an object, you can only see what someone with normal vision could see clearly from 70 feet away.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Low Vision?
The most common cause of low vision is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects central vision. However, several other eye diseases and inherited conditions can also lead to low vision:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Damages the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, leading to difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
Glaucoma: Gradually damages the optic nerve, often causing loss of side vision and, if untreated, eventual blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A diabetes-related condition that damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: A hereditary disorder that causes progressive loss of night and peripheral vision.
Stargardt’s Disease: An inherited form of macular degeneration that affects central vision, often beginning in childhood or adolescence.
Albinism: A genetic condition that reduces pigment in the eyes and can lead to sensitivity to light and reduced visual acuity.
Inherited or Retinal Degenerations: A group of genetic conditions that cause gradual loss of retinal function and light perception.
Each of these conditions can affect vision differently, which is why a personalized low vision assessment is essential to finding the right tools and strategies for daily living.
What to Expect During a Low Vision Exam
A low vision exam is not a standard eye check-up — it’s a goal-based, functional assessment. Rather than prescribing stronger glasses, our focus is on finding practical ways to help you live more fully with the vision you have.
During your visit, Dr. Leena Panaich will:
Discuss your goals and challenges, such as reading, driving, or using a computer
Evaluate your remaining vision and visual potential
Demonstrate and test various low vision aids to see what works best for you
Appointments typically last about 90 minutes, allowing plenty of time for hands-on demonstrations and personalized recommendations. By the end of your visit, you’ll know which tools and strategies can help you stay independent and comfortable in your daily routine.
Low Vision Aids and Daily Living Tools
Based on your exam results, we may recommend:
Custom low vision glasses or telescopic lenses for reading, watching TV, or distance tasks
Optical or digital magnifiers for reading and hobbies
Improved lighting and filters to reduce glare and enhance contrast
Training tips to help you use your remaining vision more effectively
Each plan is tailored to your lifestyle, helping you continue doing what matters most — whether that’s cooking, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Vision
What is the most common cause of low vision?
The most common cause is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), though other diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are also major contributors.
What is the difference between low vision and blindness?
Low vision means there’s still usable sight that can be enhanced through rehabilitation and visual aids, while blindness refers to the complete absence of vision.
Can low vision be treated or cured?
While low vision cannot be fully corrected with glasses or surgery, it can be managed through personalized rehabilitation programs and assistive technology that improve daily function and independence.
Book a Low Vision Consultation in North Vancouver
Ready to rediscover your independence?
Book a Low Vision Consultation at Lynn Valley Optometry in North Vancouver.
Our dedicated team will help you explore personalized tools and training to make the most of your remaining sight.
Call 604-987-9191 or Book Online to get started.
Your vision, your life — let’s make the most of it together.