Symptoms of Poor Vision in Infants, Children, Adults, and Severe Vision Impairment

As we age, the eyes change as well. Many of these vision changes can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, if the ophthalmologist finds that vision cannot be fully corrected, this is called “low vision.”  

Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery, a person still has difficulty performing everyday tasks such as reading mail, shopping, preparing meals, or signing their name.  

People aged 65 and older are at higher risk of developing low vision, especially due to conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma.

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Symptoms of Poor Vision and Astigmatism

There are many signs that may indicate poor vision. For example, even when wearing regular eyeglasses, a person may still have difficulty with:

Vision changes like these can be early warning signs of eye disease. The earlier the problem is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and preserving the remaining vision.  

Regular, comprehensive, dilated eye exams should be part of routine healthcare. However, if someone notices a recent change in their vision, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible.

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Symptoms of Poor Vision in Adults

Low vision affects people of all ages, including children and adults, but it is much more common in older adults. The most important symptoms that may indicate poor vision in adults include:

Symptoms of Poor Vision in Children

Many children struggle with poor vision, but there are various assistive methods and tools that can help them interact with the world around them.  

The main causes of low vision in children include:

Most of these conditions can be treated in early childhood. The most important symptoms that may indicate poor vision in children include:

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Symptoms of Poor Vision in One Eye

Poor vision can affect one eye or both, depending on the underlying cause. A person may experience low vision with dark, partial, or blurry sight.  

In some cases, vision loss develops gradually and can be hard to notice at first. For some people, this is related to aging; in others, it may be due to an underlying medical condition.  

Symptoms of poor vision in one eye can include:

A person should seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur along with symptoms of vision loss:

These may be signs of a stroke or another serious medical condition.

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Symptoms of Poor Vision in Infants

Visual development in infants occurs gradually over the first few months of life. At times, one of the baby’s eyes may drift or cross, or they may not produce tears when crying due to blocked tear ducts.  

There are many signs of poor vision in infants that require evaluation by an ophthalmologist, including:

Detecting these problems early in infancy can make treatment faster and easier. Parents should consult an eye doctor if they suspect their baby has any vision problem.

Symptoms of Severe Poor Vision

Severe poor vision does not necessarily mean complete blindness, and in many cases it can be treated.  

Severe low vision can occur for several reasons, including migraine, retinal detachment, and corneal abrasions. Signs and symptoms of severe poor vision include:

Conclusion

A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is usually enough to provide most people with the nutrients needed for healthy eyes.  

Those who are unable to get these nutrients from their diet should ask their eye doctor about eye health supplements.

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Caring about your family’s eye health means keeping up with regular visits to the eye doctor, paying attention to eye care, and following all medical advice and instructions.  

To enjoy strong, healthy vision with fewer problems or defects, visit our clinics for the best diagnostic tests and advanced technologies.