Author: Dr. Shaun Larsen
What Does 20/80 Vision Look Like For Different Eye Conditions?
Medically reviewed by Shaun Larsen, OD – Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry. Low vision rehabilitation and contact lens specialist. Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 | Next scheduled review: July 2027 In brief: 20/80 means that at 20 feet you resolve detail a reference observer resolves at 80 feet. Under the WHO ICD-11 classification…
Exciting New Technology For Those Who Are Visually Impaired Or Have Low Vision
There are few choices for persons with severe vision loss or other visual impairments who want to explore the world on their own. This is incredible given that the American Foundation for the Blind claimed 32.2 million individuals in the United States had a visual loss in 2018. The World Health Organization estimates that 285…
What Causes Transient Vision Loss?
Pathophysiology, and Etiology of Transient Vision Loss (TVL) and Amaurosis Fugax Transient vision loss in adults is a common complaint with an identified etiology in the majority of instances. The loss of vision may be unilateral or bilateral, and it can last anywhere from a few seconds to many hours. Amaurosis Fugax and Transient Vision…
Low Vision Glasses For Driving, Keeping You In The Driver’s Seat
Low vision and keeping your independence. The loss of a driver’s license and the freedom to travel anywhere at any time is one of the most difficult transitions for most individuals in the United States. Living with poor eyesight and losing the ability to drive may lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and withdrawal…
Glaucoma Vs Cataracts – What Are The Differences?
Our eyes, like every other part of our bodies, become vulnerable to illness as we age. Glaucoma and cataracts are the most prevalent visual disorders among elderly people. Cataracts are the main cause of blindness around the globe. Cataracts are thought to be the cause of 51 percent of blindness worldwide, according to the World…
Stay Active And Productive With Low Vision Glasses For The Visually Impaired
What are Low vision glasses? Low vision affects approximately 25.5 million adults in the United States who are 18 or older. Low vision is defined as a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard eyeglasses, medication, contact lenses, or surgery. Low vision is defined as a BVCA (best-corrected visual acuity) of less than 20/70…
Different Types Of Vision Impairment Due To Old Age
The loss of vision in the elderly is a major health issue. By the age of 65, one out of every three people has some sort of vision-impairing eye condition. The most common causes of vision loss in the elderly include AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. A sign of AMD is the loss of…
Bioptic Glasses: What Are They And How They Can Help You
Our busy, technical, ever-evolving world can be challenging enough for healthy normally sighted people. Add in visual impairment and it can make work, driving, and even social and leisure activities into difficult tasks. Luckily for us, not only are the visual tasks getting harder and more detailed but the technology to help us with those…
What Do you need to know about Telescopic Glasses use for Low Vision?
How can a pair of telescopic Glasses help you? Telescopic glasses provide the visually impaired with the ability to continue doing the things that they love like reading and driving and they allow for the most natural way of doing this compared to other low vision devices such as handheld magnifiers and handheld telescopes. A…
Bioptic Driving Laws By State
Bioptic Laws in Alaska The use of bioptics is allowed, however the rules are ambiguous. A minimum of 20/40 in one eye is required for an unrestricted license. The same can be said for spectacles that are only worn when necessary (contacts). A report from an eye specialist is required if the best visual acuity…
Eye Diseases That Cause Blindness
There are many eye diseases that cause blindness, and they’re often preventable or treatable if caught early enough. Knowing how to prevent it is key. Learn more about the different types of blindness, as well as their treatment, prevention, and prognosis. Macular degeneration, stroke, cataract, glaucoma, infection, and trauma are just a few of the…
Can Legally Blind Drive?
Medically reviewed by Shaun Larsen, OD, Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry. Low vision rehabilitation and contact lens specialist. Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 | Next scheduled review: January 2027 | Driver licensing rules change frequently, so this page is reviewed twice yearly. Important: this article is general information, not legal advice and not…
