Vision Loss Facts and Resources

It's a Fact ...

... The number of people with some degree of vision loss is growing rapidly, especially among senior populations. Conditions such age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or optic nerve disease are common among US residents, 65 years and older. AMD accounts for almost 45 percent of all cases of low vision in the US.

... 8 percent of all Americans have diabetes, a top cause of vision loss. The number of Americans with diabetes has grown to about 24 million people - an increase of about 3 million over two years - according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2008. The CDC estimates another 57 million people have pre-diabetes, which puts them at increased risk for the disease.

Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa are some of the eye diseases responsible for low vision. The links on this page provide insight to the issues and questions you may have regarding low vision and its impact on you or someone you know.

FREE Vision Awareness Seminars. Learn about vision loss and new technology that can help you read and resume many daily activities that require the ability to see details. Seminars are conducted throughout the U.S.
FREE Low Vision Guides. Find the answers to your questions about low vision and eye conditions, disorders, and diseases.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye. Provides a clear understanding of the various parts of the eye and the functions that they control in the acquisition and processing of visual information.
Vision Assessment. Compiles various low vision tests and gives the reasons why they are performed, the methods of testing, and the possible outcomes.
Visual Impairments, Causes and Treatments. Differentiates the major causes of adult blindness from the major causes of childhood blindness. This section also outlines symptoms, causes, and treatments for a number of visual impairments and provides information on prevalence.
Amsler Grid. Illustrates the Amsler Grid, a tool used to test the macula and retina.
Credits and References

Disability Resources

Within each US state and Canadian province are organizations that provide services to persons with visual impairments. Links to these resources are outside of Freedom Scientific and are subject to change.A comprehensive listing of services by state and province can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind Web site.

Disability Legislation

Advocacy Groups for the Blind and Low Vision

Advocacy organizations are another source for information and understanding the resources that are available to persons with visual impairments. They include, but are not limited to:

National Federation of the Blind

Additional Information

ADA Information Line:
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)