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Vision changes can sneak up on you. One day the menu is fine. The next, you are increasing your phone font and avoiding night driving. Low Vision Awareness Month is your reminder to pay attention to the small changes before they start running the show.
What Is Low Vision, Really?
Low vision is significant vision loss that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, medicine, or surgery. It ranges from mild difficulty to near-total blindness and can make everyday tasks harder, like reading, cooking, writing, recognizing faces, driving, using a phone, or getting around safely. Common causes include eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The goal is not to push through it. It is to adapt early so you can keep doing what matters to you.
Signs It May Be Time to Get Checked
Some changes are easy to brush off as “just aging” or eye strain. Schedule an eye exam sooner rather than later if you notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision that does not improve with your glasses or contacts
- New trouble with glare, halos, or night driving
- Difficulty reading, seeing steps, or noticing contrasts
- Needing brighter light to do close work
- A new blind spot, shadows, or sudden changes in vision
Everyday Fixes That Actually Help
Small tweaks can make a big difference. Consult your primary care provider to see what is right for you. Below are a few simple ways to support your vision every day.
- Take screen breaks and look away every 20 minutes
- Choose leafy greens and fish high in omega-3s
- Use brighter lighting and reduce glare
- Wear UV blocking sunglasses outdoors
- Increase text size, use magnification, and try screen readers
- Clear clutter and improve safety on steps and edges
- Ask about low vision services or vision rehab
Catch It Early, Thank Yourself Later
Don’t wait for your vision to change. Many eye conditions can be managed more effectively when caught early. It’s especially important to check your eye health if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease. US Family Health Plan supports routine eye exams so you can stay on top of your vision and keep doing what you love, with confidence.
By: Yusra Akhundzadah