Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Episode 2

What Is Low Vision?

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Educational

Duration: ~6 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dawn answers one of the most common questions she receives: What is low vision? She explains that low vision occurs when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with glasses, contacts, surgery, or medication—usually due to eye disease. Dawn discusses the role of low vision optometrists, why glasses often can't help when the retina is damaged, and the treatment interventions available including optical magnification, size magnification, and distance magnification. She also covers how treatment addresses not just acuity, but visual field, contrast, and glare.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. The definition of low vision and why it's different from needing glasses
2. Common eye diseases that cause low vision
3. What a low vision optometrist does and how they differ from a regular eye doctor
4. Why glasses can't always help when the retina is damaged
5. Three types of magnification: optical, size, and distance
6. How treatment interventions address acuity, visual field, contrast, and glare
7. A real-life example of helping someone see the TV better

Who Is This Podcast For?

1. People living with low vision or vision loss
2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
3. Friends who want to understand how to help
4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is when your acuity cannot be corrected to 20/20 with:

1. Glasses
2. Contacts
3. Surgery
4. Medication

Eye Conditions That Cause Low Vision

Common in older adults:

1. Macular degeneration
2. Glaucoma
3. Diabetic retinopathy

What Does a Low Vision Optometrist Do?

A low vision optometrist is a specialized eye doctor who:

1. Uses specialized lenses and larger charts
2. Determines if glasses can help improve acuity at distance or near
3. Prescribes magnification devices when glasses can't help
4. Gets a baseline of your current vision
5. Works with you to identify your goals and prescribe devices to achieve them

Three Types of Magnification

Using the example of helping someone see the TV better:

1. Size Magnification – Get a larger television
2. Distance Magnification – Sit closer to the TV
3. Optical Magnification – Use a hand held or spectacle mounted telescope

Important factors to consider: the size you need to see and your distance from the object.

Treatment Interventions Address Four Areas

1. Acuity (Size) – Devices to magnify print
2. Visual Field (Picture) – Techniques to see the full picture
3. Contrast (Color) – Brighten your TV or increase contrast on devices
4. Glare Management – Filters to reduce glare

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

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Keywords: what is low vision, low vision definition, low vision optometrist, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, low vision therapy, magnification devices, optical magnification, low vision treatment, vision rehabilitation, glasses can't help, retina damage, visual field loss, contrast sensitivity, glare management, low vision aids

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

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