A majority of eyesight problems can be corrected through prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses, surgery and other vision-related treatments. There is, however, a group of conditions where these forms of treatment cannot work. Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, your eye doctor in the area, talks about low vision and its causes.
About Low Vision
It pertains to visual impairments that cannot be corrected through treatments, surgeries and other equipment. While they don’t necessarily result in complete blindness, it affects the various aspects of one’s vision, including central and peripheral vision, depth perception and contrast sensitivity.
Since it can affect your way of life, be sure to consult an eye doctor when you are having a hard time with everyday tasks that require the use of your eyesight. This is especially true even if you have been using corrective eyewear.
Causes of Low Vision
Low vision can be age-related or due to injuries to the eye. However, this visual impairment happens due to a number of medical conditions. These include the following:
Macular degeneration. It is a disorder where the macula, the sensitive part of the retina located at the back of the eye, gets damaged. It causes blurred or distorted central vision. It is the leading case of vision problems in people over the age of 65.
Diabetic retinopathy. A direct result of diabetes, it is an eye disease where the retina’s blood vessels leak, causing damage to this part of the eye. Lowering blood sugar can slow down its progression, as well as other surgical treatments.
Glaucoma. It refers to the loss of peripheral vision due to optic nerve damage.
Cataract. It pertains to the clouding of the eyes’ lenses, interfering with light reaching the retina.
Turn to Dr. McGahen and our staff for your eye care needs. He is a low vision specialist who can help rehabilitate your eyes from the effects of these vision-related problems and enhance the vision you have left. Give us a call at (717) 609-4443 to schedule an appointment with us. We serve Pennsylvania residents, especially those living in Shippensburg and Greencastle, PA.