Low Vision & Vision Preservation
Personalized Support for Seniors Experiencing Reduced Vision and Daily Challenges
Low vision can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming, even when glasses or standard treatments no longer improve clarity. At Special Vision Center, we help seniors understand the cause of their vision loss, explore meaningful ways to improve daily function, and protect the remaining vision they have. Our goal is to restore confidence, independence, and comfort — one step at a time.
What Is Low Vision?
Low vision refers to reduced eyesight that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or typical medical treatments. It is not complete blindness — rather, it is a measurable vision impairment that affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
Low vision may be caused by:
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic eye disease
Cataracts
Retinal conditions
Complex or long-standing eye histories
Understanding the root cause of low vision is the first and most important step toward improving function and preserving remaining sight.
Common Symptoms and Challenges of Low Vision
Low vision often develops slowly, affecting everyday life in subtle but significant ways. Seniors may experience:
Difficulty reading small print or labels
Trouble recognizing faces
Blurred or distorted central or peripheral vision
Increased reliance on bright lighting
Loss of contrast sensitivity
Difficulty driving, especially at night
Challenges with cooking, medication management, or navigating unfamiliar areas
Even mild vision loss can impact independence and emotional well-being. Early evaluation helps create a clearer plan for living comfortably and safely.
How Low Vision Affects Seniors Specifically
For older adults, reduced vision is more than a medical condition — it can affect confidence, safety, and quality of life.
Low vision can lead to:
Increased fall risk
Difficulty maintaining independence
Frustration, anxiety, or social withdrawal
Trouble performing meaningful hobbies
Challenges with daily self-care routines
At Special Vision Center, we address not only the eye condition itself, but also the emotional and practical impact vision changes have on seniors and their families.
How Special Vision Center Approaches Low Vision & Vision Preservation
Our approach focuses on understanding the whole picture — the medical cause of low vision and how it affects daily life. During your evaluation, we assess:
The function of your remaining vision
The underlying condition causing the vision loss
How lighting, contrast, and movement affect your sight
Practical tasks that have become difficult
Strategies and tools that can support independence
Based on your needs, we may recommend:
Contrast-enhancing tools
Specialized lighting solutions
Magnifiers and low-vision devices
Adjustments to daily routines
Referrals to occupational vision therapy when appropriate
A plan for preserving remaining vision long-term
Our goal is to give patients practical solutions that improve comfort and function — not just medical explanations.
Dr. Manson’s Unique Method
Dr. Manson goes far beyond a standard low-vision assessment. His method includes:
Reviewing long-term medical and ocular history
Re-evaluating previous diagnoses to ensure accuracy
Identifying subtle visual factors that impact daily life
Explaining each finding in clear, simple language
Offering realistic expectations and honest guidance
Creating a personalized plan that respects the patient’s goals and lifestyle
Patients appreciate his patience, his clarity, and his ability to bring calm direction to a condition that often feels confusing or discouraging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is low vision the same as blindness?
No. Low vision refers to reduced sight that cannot be corrected with glasses, but many patients still retain useful vision.
Can low vision be improved?
While the underlying eye condition may not always be reversible, many patients experience better daily function through tools, lighting strategies, and personalized adjustments.
Is low vision always permanent?
Not always. Some causes can be treated, stabilized, or improved depending on the underlying condition and severity.
Can low vision affect balance?
Yes. Reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception can impact mobility, making proper evaluation and support essential.
How often should I be checked?
Follow-up depends on the underlying cause. Many low-vision patients require monitoring every 6–12 months, or sooner if symptoms change.
Take the First Step Toward Better Daily Vision
Even when vision cannot be fully restored, there is always something we can do to help you see more comfortably, move more confidently, and protect the sight you still have.