Diagnosing & Managing Low Vision
Low vision is a loss of eyesight, but not complete blindness. By definition, low vision patients have visual impairments that can’t be corrected through surgery, corrective eyewear, or medication.
Patients with low vision may find specific tasks difficult or impossible, such as:
- Reading & writing
- Watching TV
- Using digital devices
- Driving a vehicle
- Telling colours apart
- Shopping
During your eye exam, our optometrists can determine if you may benefit from additional strategies to cope with day-to-day life and refer you to a low vision clinic if needed.
What Causes Low Vision?
There is a myriad of eye conditions and diseases that can lead to low vision. The most common cause, known as age-related macular degeneration, is the deterioration of the central part of the retina.
Other potential causes of low vision include:
- Congenital disabilities
- Injuries
- Certain diseases of the body
- Aging
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Damage to the optic nerve
Can Low Vision Be Prevented?
Some health conditions and eye trauma are not necessarily avoidable. However, for many eye conditions, a healthy and active lifestyle and regular eye exams (even if your eyesight is healthy) are a great step in maintaining good lifelong ocular health.
With the numerous conditions that can lead to low vision, your best chance to retain good vision is early detection and ongoing management of vision-threatening eye conditions.
Regular eye exams are critical in detecting eye and health conditions. The earlier an ocular disease is diagnosed and treated, the longer you can preserve your eyesight. Please book your eye exam today!
Our Brands
Find Us In Bonnyville & St. Paul
Bonnyville
Find us on the corner of Main & 52nd Street, across from Westline Autowash.
- 5201 50 Avenue
- Bonnyville, AB T9N 2G6
- Phone: 780-826-4437
- Fax: 780-826-4267
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
St. Paul
You can find us on 51st Avenue, next to the Fire Hall.
- 4916 51 Avenue
- St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0
- Phone: 780-645-3790
- Fax: 780-645-2830
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Bonnyville Gallery
St. Paul Gallery
Our Blog
How Do Contact Lenses Work?
Contact LensesWhether you’re a long-time contact lens wearer or considering a switch from glasses, understanding how these tiny discs work can help you make informed decisions about your vision care needs. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface and compensate for any errors by helping light refract correctly on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at […]
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
Eye ExamsBooking an eye exam might seem like a hassle, but it’s an important step in maintaining your vision. It doesn’t take as long as you might think, and the benefits outweigh the minor inconvenience. A regular eye exam can help detect and address potential eye problems early, preventing more serious issues down the line. If […]
Why Are My Eyes So Dry When I Wake Up?
Contact Lenses, Dry Eye, Eye ExamsDry eyes are one of the most common eye disorders. Millions of people experience dry eye at some point in their lives, especially as they get older. Many people’s eyes dry out overnight, leading to that itchy, sandpapery feeling when they wake up in the morning. The most common reasons for waking up with dry […]
How Do Contact Lenses Work?
Whether you’re a long-time contact lens wearer or considering a switch from glasses, understanding how these tiny discs work can help you make informed decisions about your vision care needs. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface and compensate for any errors by helping light refract correctly on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at […]
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
Booking an eye exam might seem like a hassle, but it’s an important step in maintaining your vision. It doesn’t take as long as you might think, and the benefits outweigh the minor inconvenience. A regular eye exam can help detect and address potential eye problems early, preventing more serious issues down the line. If […]
Why Are My Eyes So Dry When I Wake Up?
Dry eyes are one of the most common eye disorders. Millions of people experience dry eye at some point in their lives, especially as they get older. Many people’s eyes dry out overnight, leading to that itchy, sandpapery feeling when they wake up in the morning. The most common reasons for waking up with dry […]
