Low Vision in The Villages, FL

What is low vision?

Low vision means sight loss that interferes with daily life. An eye disease often causes it, so it is not a normal part of aging.

Low vision can affect one or both eyes and may come on slowly or suddenly. It can limit reading, cooking, hobbies and getting around. So ask about it, rather than assume nothing can be done.

Symptoms

You may have trouble reading, driving or recognizing faces. Some people lose central or side vision. Trouble seeing at night and blurry or hazy vision are also common.

Who is at risk?

Low vision commonly results from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. Eye injuries, brain injuries and inherited conditions can also be causes.

Even with limited sight, many people stay independent with the right mix of tools and training. A family member is welcome to come to the visit with you.

What a low vision visit looks like

When you come in for Low Vision in The Villages, first tell us what has become hard. For example, name the tasks you miss most, such as reading mail, cooking or seeing the golf ball. Then an eye doctor checks how well you read letters at different distances. He also looks at your central and side vision. The exam is painless.

Next, we talk about tools that fit your goals. Our optician, Ibrahim Salman, enjoys hard cases such as low vision and double vision. So bring your current glasses and any magnifiers you already use.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask what is causing your sight loss. You can also ask which tools might help with your daily tasks. Ask whether vision rehabilitation services make sense for you. In addition, ask about driving, because safe driving depends on your vision test results and your state's rules. Then bring a family member, so they can help you remember.

A sudden change in vision needs urgent care. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Everyday tips

Because light matters, use brighter light where you read or cook. Also try larger text and higher contrast on your phone or tablet. Text-to-speech can read messages out loud. However, do not wait until a task gets impossible. Ask for help early, so you can keep doing what you enjoy. Also, a family member can join your visit. Then they hear the same advice and can help at home.

What helps

Help is available, even if your vision cannot return to normal:

• Magnifiers, anti-glare sunglasses and better lighting
• Larger text, higher contrast and text-to-speech on devices
• Vision rehabilitation services that teach new ways to do daily tasks

Help With Low Vision in The Villages

Our care for Low Vision in The Villages starts with the vision you have. Dr. Russell examines your eyes to find the cause and how to use your sight well. Ibrahim Salman, our optician, has experience fitting glasses for low vision and double vision, and he enjoys hard cases. When you need specialty low vision rehabilitation, we refer you to a trusted provider and work alongside them.

Call (352) 399-5412 or request an appointment at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

Can glasses help with low vision?

Sometimes. Specially designed lenses and aids can improve how well you see, even if they cannot restore normal vision.

Is low vision the same as blindness?

No. People with low vision still have some useful sight.

Should I stop driving?

Ask your eye doctor. Safe driving depends on your vision test results and your state's rules.