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
Why Do My Eyes Water In Cold Weather?
Dry Eye, Eye CareWhen the temperature drops, many people notice their eyes watering more than usual. You might find that your eyes become excessively moist when stepping outside on a chilly day, or even when going back indoors, where dry air from heating systems can cause irritation. While this might seem annoying, watery eyes in cold weather are […]
Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?
Eye HealthEver stumbled upon an old bottle of eye drops in your medicine cabinet and wondered if they’re still safe to use? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves questioning the safety and efficacy of expired eye drops, especially when they’re experiencing discomfort or dryness. Expired eye drops are not a good choice due to a […]
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 […]
Why Do My Eyes Water In Cold Weather?
When the temperature drops, many people notice their eyes watering more than usual. You might find that your eyes become excessively moist when stepping outside on a chilly day, or even when going back indoors, where dry air from heating systems can cause irritation. While this might seem annoying, watery eyes in cold weather are […]
Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?
Ever stumbled upon an old bottle of eye drops in your medicine cabinet and wondered if they’re still safe to use? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves questioning the safety and efficacy of expired eye drops, especially when they’re experiencing discomfort or dryness. Expired eye drops are not a good choice due to a […]
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 […]
