Low vision is a condition where reduced level of vision vision and/or visual fields constricted and cannot be fully corrected by either medical and/or surgical treatment, using glasses or contact lenses in both eyes. Unlike a person who is blind, a person with low vision has some useful sight. However, low vision usually interferes with the performance of daily activities, such as driving or reading. A person with low vision may not recognized images at a distance or be able to differentiate colours of similar tones.

In Malaysia, The National Eye Survey 1996 estimated that there were 540,000 people with low vision and about 50,000 people who were blind. Prevalence of low vision was found to be 2.44% and those who were blind was 0.3%.

What is the definition of low vision?

What are the main causes of low vision?

• Untreated cataract
• Uncorrected blur
• Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma

What are the signs that I have low vision?

• Difficulty recognizing objects at a distance (street signs or bus signs)
• Difficulty differentiating colours
• Difficulty seeing well up close (reading or cooking)
• Visual field size becomes smaller
• Combination of both reduced vision and constricted field

Vision of individual who is normal	Vision of low vision individual due to blurring which is not being corrected
Vision of low vision individual due to diabetic retinopathy	Vision of low vision individual due to cataract
Vision of low vision individual due to ARMD	Vision of low vision individual due to glaucoma

How to know if I have low vision?

Identification can be done through:

• Vision screening
• Regular interval and comprehensive eye examination
• Regular interval eye examination for patients with chronic diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus and hypertensive patients

What assistance can be offered if I have low vision?

Assistance that can be offered is low vision rehabilitation which include:

• Optical devices, for examples: magnifiers, telescopes
• Non-optical aids, for examples: extra illumination, typoscope, books with enlarged text, writing guides, clock with large numbers, keyboard with large letters
• Electronic devices, for example: close circuit television (CCTV), portable electronic devices
• Environmental modification
• Orientation and mobility training
• Counseling

What I need to do if I have low vision?

What other agencies that can assist?

• Social Welfare Department (JKM), Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia
• Special Education Division, Ministry of Education, Malaysia
• Other non-government organisations
  • Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB)
  • Society for the Blind Malaysia (SBM)
  • St. Nicholas Homes Centre
  • Sabah Society for the Blind (SSB)
  • Sarawak Society for the Blind (SKSB)

References:

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