Common Symptoms of Low Vision

Reduced Visual Field

Visual field refers to the entire area that can be seen when fixating at a certain point in space. Visual field loss is generally divided into central and side visual field loss.

People with central visual field loss typically have difficulty with the following:

• Recognising faces
• Reading

What can be done?

Increasing size:

• Reduce viewing distance by bringing the object of interest closer to view
• Use of optical aids like magnifiers, accessibility features on smart devices e.g smartphones/tablets

People with side visual field loss typically report the following:

• Increased difficulty detecting steps or kerbs
• Startled by object or people ”suddenly appearing” in front of them
• Knocking into people or objects when navigating around

What can be done?

• Orientation and mobility training
• Caregiver training (sighted guide technique)
• Reverse telescope
• Peripheral prism

View through reverse telescope: images appear smaller but wider field of view

Common eye conditions that can result in reduced visual visual field

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Glaucoma
• Retinitis Pigmentosa