Surrey Optometry: Understanding Types of Vision Impairment

Surrey Optometry: Understanding Types of Vision Impairment

We take our vision for granted. The World Health Organization defines and classifies visual impairments, highlighting their prevalence and preventability globally. We think of it as a simple system and how it impacts our daily lives. But millions of Canadians have some form of vision impairment and understanding the types is key to recognizing the issues and getting treatment. If you’re a Surrey, BC resident and concerned about vision loss or impairment, this blog will help you learn about the common types of visual impairments and how they will affect your life.

What is Vision Impairment?

Vision impairment is a partial or total loss of vision that can’t be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. It can be central vision, peripheral vision or both. Vision impairments can be mild to severe. In some cases vision loss is gradual, in others it’s sudden.

Types of Vision Impairment

There are several types of vision impairments, each with its own characteristics and severity. Different types of vision impairments affect the visual system in various ways, leading to limitations in its functioning and impacting daily activities. Here are:

1. Central Vision Impairment

Central vision is the part of your vision that allows you to see objects clearly in front of you, such as reading text or recognizing faces. A common condition that affects central vision is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in Canada. AMD damages the macula, the part of the eye that sees sharp central vision. Symptoms include blurred vision and difficulty recognizing faces.

2. Peripheral Vision Impairment

Peripheral vision impairment, also known as tunnel vision, affects your ability to see objects on the side of your visual field. This can make everyday tasks like driving or walking in crowded places more difficult. Conditions like glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa can cause peripheral vision loss and if left untreated can be serious.

3. Night Blindness

Also known as nyctalopia, night blindness is the inability to see in dim light or darkness. People with night blindness may have trouble adjusting to low light conditions, such as driving at night. It can be caused by cataracts or vitamin A deficiency.

4. Blurry Vision and Distance Vision Impairment

Blurry vision is a common type of vision impairment that affects people of all ages. Refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism are the leading causes of blurry vision. If left uncorrected these errors can cause distance vision impairment and affect activities like reading signs or watching TV.

5. Complete Blindness and Legal Blindness

Complete blindness is the total lack of vision, legal blindness is severe visual impairment where vision acuity is worse than 20/200 in the better eye even with corrective lenses. While total blindness is less common, being legally blind still has a big impact on a person’s ability to do daily tasks without assistance.

6. Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are a common type of visual impairment that affects the way the eye focuses light. The most prevalent types include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These conditions can arise due to genetic factors, aging, or environmental influences. Symptoms often include blurred vision, difficulty seeing distant objects, and eye strain. Fortunately, refractive errors can be effectively managed with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, allowing individuals to regain clear vision and reduce eye discomfort.

Causes of Vision Impairment

Vision impairments can be caused by many factors, inherited eye diseases to environmental factors. Some of the most common causes are:

1. Age-Related Eye Conditions

As we age our eyes change and can cause vision problems. Cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma are the leading causes of vision impairment in older adults in Surrey and across Canada. Regular vision tests can help detect these conditions early and slow down progression.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

For people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It’s a leading cause of vision loss in adults, especially in developing countries. With early detection and proper management of blood sugar levels, vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy can be prevented or delayed.

3. Infectious Diseases and Eye Injuries

While less common in developed countries like Canada, certain infectious diseases can cause vision loss. Trachoma for example is a bacterial infection that causes scarring of the eye’s anatomical structure and if left untreated can cause blindness. Eye injuries such as blunt trauma or exposure to hazardous materials can also cause permanent vision impairment.

4. Congenital Conditions and Genetic Disorders

Some people are born with vision impairment or develop them early in life. Conditions like optic atrophy, retinal detachment and lazy eye (amblyopia) are examples of congenital or genetic disorders that can cause poor vision or blindness if not treated early.

Signs and Symptoms of Vision Impairment

Vision impairment can manifest in different ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common signs and symptoms of vision impairment include:

  • Blurred vision or blurry vision
  • Difficulty seeing distant objects or fine details
  • Double vision or ghosting
  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches or eye pain
  • Difficulty with night vision or driving at night
  • Difficulty with reading or watching TV
  • Difficulty with recognizing faces or objects

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your vision impairment.

Vision Impairment and Daily Life

Vision impairment can affect every part of a person’s life, from educational achievement to emotional well-being. People with severe visual impairment may experience:

  • Mobility and independence: Driving, cooking and navigating public spaces may become more difficult.
  • Employment and productivity: Reduced vision can limit job opportunities or make certain tasks hard especially for those that require sharp visual acuity.
  • Social interactions: Poor vision can lead to isolation and decreased quality of life especially for older adults or those living alone.

In Surrey, the community offers various rehabilitation services to help people with vision impairment adjust to their condition and maintain independence. Assistive technology like magnifiers and screen readers can also increase accessibility.

1. Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can play a significant role in helping individuals with vision impairment to perform daily tasks and maintain their independence. Examples of assistive technology include:

  • Screen readers and magnification software for computers and mobile devices
  • Braille displays and embossers
  • Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems for magnifying text and images
  • Audio books and e-books
  • Smart canes and GPS devices for navigation
  • Low vision aids such as magnifying glasses and telescopes

Assistive technology can be customized to meet the individual needs of each person with vision impairment.

2. Social and Psychological Support

Vision impairment can have a significant impact on an individual’s social and psychological well-being. It is essential to provide social and psychological support to individuals with vision impairment to help them cope with their condition and maintain their independence. Examples of social and psychological support include:

  • Counseling and therapy to address emotional and psychological issues related to vision impairment
  • Support groups for individuals with vision impairment and their families
  • Rehabilitation services to help individuals with vision impairment to develop coping strategies and adapt to their condition
  • Access to recreational and leisure activities that are accessible and enjoyable for individuals with vision impairment
  • Education and training on assistive technology and low vision aids

Social and psychological support can help individuals with vision impairment to maintain their independence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Vision Tests and Early Detection

Regular vision tests are key to early detection and prevention of vision loss. At Look Optometry in Surrey we offer comprehensive eye exams that check your visual acuity and the health of your optic nerve, retina and other structures in the eye. Through these tests we can detect early signs of conditions like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors.

Vision Rehabilitation for Surrey Residents

For people with moderate visual impairment or severe visual impairment, vision rehabilitation can make a big difference. A low vision specialist can provide tools and strategies to improve visual functioning and enable everyday tasks. Vision rehabilitation services may include:

  • Magnifying devices: Handheld magnifiers or magnifying glasses can help people with low vision see small print or detailed tasks more clearly.
  • Assistive technology: Screen readers, voice command technology and braille displays can help with reading and communication for those who are legally blind.
  • Training in adaptive techniques: Learning how to use bright light or different lighting conditions to maximize vision is important for those with retinitis pigmentosa or night blindness.

Preventing Vision Loss: Tips to keep your eyes healthy

Prevention is key when it comes to reducing the risk of vision loss. Here’s how:

  1. Regular Eye Exams: Get regular eye exams especially if you are at risk of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy.
  2. Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can increase your risk of vision problems. Manage these conditions to prevent vision loss.
  3. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes from sun damage and use protective eyewear during activities that may expose your eyes to injury.
  4. Early Detection: Look out for warning signs like blurry vision, gradual vision loss or difficulty seeing in dim light. Early detection of vision impairment is key to preventing permanent damage.

Summary: Vision Protection in Surrey

Living with vision impairment can be tough but with the right support and early intervention many people can live a good life. At Look Optometry in Surrey we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care and vision rehabilitation services to help people with vision impairment live full and independent lives. Book an appointment with us today to start preserving your vision.

Book your eye exam—early detection and regular eye care can prevent blindness or permanent damage.

Call us or visit today to find out how we can help you see better.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.