The term "low vision" refers to a condition where a person's vision is impaired to the extent that their daily activities are affected. The phonetic transcription of this word is /loʊ ˈvɪʒən/. The "ow" in "low" is pronounced as a diphthong, which means that the sound changes from "o" to "w" as it is pronounced. In "vision," the "si" is pronounced as "ʒ," which is a fricative sound. The phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation of the word better, especially for those with low vision.
Low Vision refers to a visual impairment where an individual experiences significant difficulty in seeing clearly, even with the use of corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses. This condition typically occurs due to eye diseases or conditions and is characterized by reduced visual acuity or a limited field of vision. People with low vision may have difficulty distinguishing details, reading small print, or seeing objects in dimly lit environments.
Unlike complete blindness, individuals with low vision still retain some degree of visual function. However, their vision is severely impaired, impacting their ability to perform everyday tasks such as reading, writing, and recognizing faces. Low vision can be caused by various eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts.
To assist those with low vision, various optical aids and devices can be utilized. These aids include magnifying lenses, telescopes, special filters, and electronic devices designed to enlarge images. Additionally, low vision rehabilitation programs offer training and support to help individuals develop alternative techniques and strategies to maximize their remaining vision and regain independence.
Overall, low vision is a visual impairment that significantly hinders an individual's ability to see clearly, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. It necessitates specialized interventions and support to optimize the remaining vision and enhance independence.
The word "low vision" is a compound term composed of the adjective "low" and the noun "vision".
"Low", derived from the Old English word "lāh", means "not high, not elevated or tall". Over time, it came to refer to something below average, small, or insufficient. In the context of vision, "low" denotes a decrease or impairment in visual acuity or the ability to see clearly.
The noun "vision", originating from the Latin word "visio", refers to the act of seeing or the sense of sight. It can also denote the ability to imagine or anticipate something. In the case of "low vision", it specifically refers to a visual impairment where individuals have difficulty seeing objects clearly, sometimes despite wearing corrective lenses.
When combined, "low vision" accurately describes the condition of decreased visual acuity, which is less severe than blindness but more significant than normal vision.