Low Vision

It is not simply a refractive error

Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism can usually be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. With low vision, standard optical correction alone may not restore enough functional vision for every activity. Assessment of the condition, its causes and any rehabilitation pathway belongs to an ophthalmologist and the healthcare specialists involved.

Optical aids and everyday activities

Following a specialist recommendation, some aids can help people make the most of their remaining vision: magnifiers for near or distance tasks, dedicated lighting, electronic solutions and lenses chosen for a specific use. There is no single best aid; what matters is the task the person wants to carry out.

Filters, tints and light transmission levels also need careful selection. They can affect brightness and contrast perception, but results vary from person to person and should be checked in the intended setting. No one solution works for everyone.

Isolani's technical role

At Isolani Optical Centres, we turn a specialist's recommendation into an optical solution that can be used in everyday life: selecting the aid, taking measurements, fitting, functional testing and explaining how to use it. Where useful, the Simulation Room lets us observe how the solution performs in a real setting; it does not replace diagnosis, treatment or medical rehabilitation.

Related terms

In the glossary, you can explore magnification, contrast, polarised lenses and light transmission.

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