[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Ophthalmology](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/) › [Refraction and vision](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/areas/refraction/) › Low vision and visual rehabilitation

# Low vision and visual rehabilitation

- Topic

When vision cannot be restored, rehabilitation helps people read, move and work with the vision they have. It is never too early to refer.

Updated Nov 5, 2026

**See it in 3D:** [Macula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/macula/) · [Retina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/retina/) · [Optic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/optic-nerve/)

## Key points

- Low vision = not correctable, limits daily life.
- Rehabilitation uses the remaining vision.
- Refer early, not as a last resort.
- Charles Bonnet: images in macular disease, not psychosis.

## What it is

Low vision is reduced vision that glasses, contact lenses, drugs or surgery cannot correct, enough to limit daily life. Rehabilitation does not cure it but makes the most of the remaining vision: magnifiers and telescopes, electronic and phone tools, screen readers, better lighting and contrast, and training in orientation and mobility. In children, it includes special education programmes.

## Key facts

- Common causes in adults: macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy; in children: congenital cataract, retinopathy of prematurity, genetic retinal and optic nerve disease.
- Aids: hand and stand magnifiers, spectacle magnifiers, telescopes, video magnifiers, phone apps, screen readers.
- Environment: good lighting, high-contrast markings, large print.
- Rehabilitation includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills and emotional support.

## In clinical practice

- Loss of vision raises the risk of falls, depression and social isolation.
- People with macular disease may see formed images that are not there (Charles Bonnet syndrome); reassurance helps.
- Colombian guideline: children with low vision should be rehabilitated and schooled with programmes for their condition.

## Next step / Initial management

- Best-corrected vision that limits reading, mobility or work: refer to a low vision service, without waiting for the vision to fall further.
- Children with low vision: rehabilitation and educational support from diagnosis.
- Screen for depression and fall risk in older adults with visual loss.
- Provide information about disability certification and support services.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What is low vision?

Reduced vision that cannot be corrected by glasses, drugs or surgery and that limits daily activities.

## What is Charles Bonnet syndrome?

Formed visual hallucinations in people with visual loss, typically macular disease, with preserved insight.

## When should a patient be referred for low vision rehabilitation?

As soon as vision limits reading, mobility or work, without waiting for further loss.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/ophthalmology/low-vision-and-visual-rehabilitation/)

## Connections

## See it in 3D 3

The structures of Durgical's 3D anatomy where it is found.

- [Macula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/macula/)
- [Retina](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/retina/)
- [Optic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/optic-nerve/)

## Related 3

- [Visual impairment and blindness: how they are graded](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/visual-impairment-and-blindness-how-they-are-graded/)
- [Avoidable blindness: the main causes in the world and in Colombia](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/avoidable-blindness-the-main-causes-in-the-world-and-in-colombia/)
- [Gradual visual loss in adults](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/gradual-visual-loss-in-adults/)

## Related conditions 4

- [Age-related macular degeneration](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration/)
- [Open-angle glaucoma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/open-angle-glaucoma/)
- [Diabetic retinopathy](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/)
- [Retinopathy of prematurity](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/retinopathy-of-prematurity/)

[← All of ophthalmology](https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/)

Educational content; not a clinical guideline and no substitute for assessment by a health professional. For sudden visual loss, severe eye pain, a chemical burn or an eye injury, go to an emergency department at once.

Sources: [Low Vision Aids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585124/) (StatPearls Publishing (NCBI Bookshelf), 2023); [World report on vision](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516570) (World Health Organization, 2019).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/low-vision-and-visual-rehabilitation/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/ophthalmology/low-vision-and-visual-rehabilitation/