It is easy to focus on what is lost when you begin experiencing low vision conditions. With a condition like macular degeneration that affects central vision, it’s impossible to miss. Most people predominantly use their central vision for viewing the world and when that becomes affected, feeling defeated or like there isn’t a route forward is normal.

But there is good reason not to dwell on what is lost. Instead of focusing on what is lost, we teach our patients how to shift focus to what is still functioning, literally. With techniques like eccentric viewing, we are able to train our patients to rely less on their central vision and instead rely on the stronger vision that is coming from their peripheral vision.
Macular degeneration and eccentric are one example but there are countless others. There are many conditions that can result in low vision for the person experiencing them and they can look a lot of different ways but the common factor is that there are ways to help navigate whatever the specific vision loss is and whatever tasks and activities the patient is trying to maintain.

Sometimes it can be as simple as learning how to change your gaze. Other times, it’s learning a new technology that can radically change your life. It could also be tactile accessories that let you get the information you need without viewing.

Regardless of condition, low vision is not the end of the road it you are willing to change your expectations and learn a new trick or two. When you become stuck on what you’ve lost you are unable to appreciate what you still have. That’s why we say “keep your eye on the donut, not the hole”