Types of low vision.

A person is standing in the street holding some flowers in one hand and their white cane in their other arm.

On this page:

A young child using a braille machine.
Common conditions and issues of low vision

Common conditions and issues of low vision

Sight is the sense we use to perceive objects and can be impacted or changed by many causes. Low vision or blindness may be present from birth, hereditary, develop over time, or occur as a result of illness or injury. It cannot be corrected with prescription glasses. We rely on our vision for many essential daily activities.

A significant change or ongoing low vision can greatly affect our independence and mobility. We provide support for any person who is experiencing difficulty in daily life as a result of low vision or blindness.

We rely on generous, ongoing support from the community to offer the highest quality supports for people with low vision, including our world-renowned Guide Dog training programs. Every contribution is crucial and incredibly valuable.

A busy shopping strip. The middle of the image is blurred to portray how someone with a cataract might view it.
Types of low vision: Cataract

Common causes for low vision or blindness

Cataract:

As we age, the lens in our eyes we use to focus can become cloudy and harden. The hardening results in a cataract.

With a cataract, you may struggle to focus on reading the labels in your pantry, distinguishing colours on your grandson’s T shirt or find it challenging to work in the garden due to sensitivity from the sun. Many people successfully restore their vision when the cataract is surgically removed.

A busy footpath with people on it. The outer edges of the image is blurred with a white circle to portray how someone with Glaucoma might view it.
Types of low vision: Glaucoma

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in reduced vision or blindness. The eye continually produces fluid that needs to drain out. If the process is interrupted, pressure builds up in the eye. It can be chronic and if left untreated can result in tunnel vision or total blindness.

If you are experiencing blurred vision or knocking into things on the left or right then you may have reduced visual fields caused by glaucoma. When glaucoma is detected, a specialist will assist in managing this pressure to avoid loss of vision.

A busy road with cars on it. There are black spots on the image to portray how someone with diabetic retinopathy might view it.
Types of low vision: Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy:

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition related to diabetes. Changes to the blood vessels in the retina cause vision loss. Blurred, distorted vision or even total blindness may occur. There is no particular pattern to the vision loss.

You may experience random patches of vision loss or blurred vision that affects your ability to see road signs or judge the traffic. It is important to visit an ophthalmologist in order to maintain the health of eyes when you have diabetes.

A busy road with cars on it. The outer edges of the image are blurred to portray how someone with retinitis pigmentosa might view it.
Types of low vision: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP):

Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive, chronic inherited condition. It causes breakdown of retinal cells that normally receive light. Eventually RP progresses to loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). Early symptoms include night blindness, knocking into things or tripping over and perhaps a feeling of general clumsiness.

A busy footpath. The middle of the image is blurred with a white mark to portray how someone with macular degeneration might view it.
Types of low vision: Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration:

Macular degeneration, also known as Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 years.

The retina has a central area called the macular. When the macular develops eye disease (ARMD) then a loss of central vision is experienced. Although a person with this condition still has peripheral vision, it can lead to difficulties with identifying faces, problems recognising colour or difficulty reading the mail.

Close up of two hands resting on the top of a white cane.
Types of low vision: Visual pathway damage

Visual pathway damage:

Visual Field Loss can occur when parts of the visual pathway are damaged by an acquired brain injury, such as a stroke, brain tumour or trauma. The eyeball still functions, although the message to the part of the brain that determines what we see is interrupted.

Examples include a right sided visual field loss due to a brain injury to the left side of the brain. You may regularly knock into objects on one side of the body, experience trouble locating an object off to one side, or be startled when someone appears from the side with field loss.

Close up image of the bottom half of a white cane on tactile tiles.
Referrals

Referrals for support services come from a variety of sources.

These can include Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, therapists and other specialists.

Aside from health professionals, referrals are also welcome from individual people and their families.