It’s Low Vision Awareness Month, which means you may want to have your vision checked by an eye doctor to make sure you’re not suffering from low vision. Low vision affects a lot of people – especially as they age. In fact, it’s believed that even more people will suffer from low vision in the future because they are living longer. The following are six facts that you should know about low vision:

1. Low vision is often the result of an eye disease or other health condition, such as cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, eye injuries, birth defects, and age-related macular degeneration.
2. There are roughly 4.2 million visually impaired Americans. By 2030, that number is expected to reach around 7.2 million, five million of which are projected to have low vision.
3. Anyone at any age can be affected by vision loss. However, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of suffering from low vision.
4. Low vision cannot be corrected through the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication. It can make it difficult for people with low vision to cook, write, shop, or even watch TV.
5. Low vision not only impairs the vision of the affected person, it can result in feelings of helplessness, anxiousness, and depression.
6. Vision rehabilitation programs are available to help aid people with low vision to maintain the lifestyle that they are used to. The program helps train patients in the use of magnifiers, how to complete daily living skills in a safe and independent manner, and how to locate additional resources and support.

These are a few things that you should know about low vision. If you or anyone you know is suffering from symptoms of low vision, which includes having difficulty recognizing faces, fixing things around the house, choosing and matching the color of one’s clothes, or just getting around the neighborhood, then you should see an eye doctor immediately. To keep up to date on all the latest health related news, be sure to visit us at the Benefits Store today.