Visual Impairment
Visual impairment occurs in a range of conditions in which complete loss of vision is uncommon. (Most people who are registered blind have some degree of residual vision).
Low Vision
Low vision is described as “impairment of visual function where full remediation is not possible by conventional spectacles, contact lenses or medical intervention and which causes restriction in the person’s everyday life” (Low Vision Consensus Group 1999).
- The vast majority of people with low vision are older people (three-quarters of people registered blind and partially sighted are over 70).
- Effective low vision services can assist in reducing the number of older people who need to be placed in residential care.
- Most people with low vision retain some sight – 95% are able to see light through a window, 75% able to read newspaper headlines (Bruce 1991).
Key issues
- Most people with low vision retain some sight.
- Sight can be maximised by:
- prompt advice and counselling.
- early assessment.
- provision of appropriate low vision aids (LVAs) and training in their use.
- Effective low vision services can reduce admissions to residential care.
Visual impairments have been found to be an important risk factor for hip fracture and falls. Reductions in contrast sensitivity, depth perception and peripheral vision have been particularly linked with the risk of falls or hip fracture.
