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BerryFarmsEyeCare

Dr. Jana Crim

(615) 905-8190

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  • Causes of Low Vision

Causes of Low Vision

  • Created in Newsletters

Woman struggling with vision

Eye Conditions That Cause Low Vision

Low vision causes permanent changes to your eyesight that can make life a little more challenging. You may have low vision if you can't see well, even when wearing prescription eyeglasses. If the best you can see with your glasses is 20/70 to 20/160, you have moderate low vision, according to a low vision classification used by the World Health Organization. Other categories of low vision include:

  • 20/200 or Higher: Severe low vision
  • 20/500 to 20/1000: Profound low vision
  • Less than 20/1000: Near-total low vision

These eye diseases and conditions can affect your eyesight, causing low vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Keeping your glucose (blood sugar) level under control is essential if you have diabetes. When your blood sugar is consistently too high, you may be more likely to develop heart disease, nerve damage, high blood pressure, kidney damage, or vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in your retina. The retina lines the back of your eye and sends electrical impulses to the brain, which then converts them to images. Abnormal blood vessels leak blood or fluid, interfering with vision. Damage to the retina can also occur in some cases.

Glaucoma

Increased pressure inside the eye can damage your optic nerve, the pathway between the eye and the brain, if you have glaucoma. If the optic nerve is damaged, some or all of the electrical impulses sent by the retina won't reach the brain depending on the extent of the damage. As a result, you may develop blind spots or even lose your vision completely.

Pressure changes can happen gradually or suddenly. Gradual changes usually don't cause any symptoms until your vision is permanently damaged.

Fortunately, visiting your optometrist for yearly eye exams can help you avoid vision loss caused by glaucoma. During your exam, your eye doctor will test the pressure inside your eyes and dilate your eyes to view your optic nerve.

Torn or Detached Retina

If your retina tears or separates from the back of the eye, you may notice blind spots in your vision or feel as if a dark curtain has fallen over your eye. Unfortunately, if you don't receive prompt treatment for a tear or detachment, you may experience some degree of permanent vision loss.

Eye injuries and aging are the most common causes of retinal detachments, according to the National Eye Institute. Other causes include eye injuries, certain eye disorders, or previous surgery on the eye.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, a common age-related eye disorder, affects the central part of your vision. Cells in the macula, the center part of your retina, begin to degenerate, creating blurry or blind spots. These spots make it hard to read, drive, or recognize faces.

If you're diagnosed with macular degeneration, your eye doctor will tell you whether you have the wet or dry form. The dry type occurs when the macula thins and yellow deposits called drusen form under the retina. The wet form happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the macula and leak. Injected medication or laser therapy may be helpful if you have the wet form of the disorder. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the dry form yet.

Cataracts

A cataract happens when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens focuses light on your retina and plays an important part in the visual process. When the lens becomes cloudy, you may notice that colors are duller and everything looks a little blurry. Glare and halos around lights may also be a problem.

Most people notice an improvement in their vision after cataract surgery. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. If you have cataracts and also have other eye diseases, like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, you may still have some trouble seeing after your surgery.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Cells in the outer part of the retina begin to degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). As time goes on, your side vision slowly shrinks, leaving you with only a small amount of central vision. RP also makes it hard to see at night or in low light. The condition is inherited and often causes legal blindness by age 40, according to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Are you struggling to live with low vision? Low vision aids can help you make the most of your remaining vision. Your optometrist can help you find the most effective visual aids for your condition. Contact our office to schedule a visit with the eye doctor.

Sources:

National Eye Institute: Retinal Detachment

Foundation Fighting Blindness: What Is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

American Optometric Association: Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Causes of Low Vision, 6/14/21

National Eye Institute: Low Vision

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
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    • Cognitive and Acquired
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  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
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  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
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    • Corneal Disorders
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  • Newsletters
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
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Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

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Your opinions matter

  • ""Who knew in this day and age that you could actually find a Doctor (the entire practice) that actually makes the patient their primary focus. After much frustration with my current provider I stumbled across Dr. Crim and boy did I get lucky. The staff's attention to detail, quality of service, and genuineness shines through. If you are looking for top notch care and great service look no further than Berry Farms EyeCare...trust me!!""
    Craig E.
  • ""Dr. Jana and staff are awesome! They make me feel at home each time I visit. They are an asset to Berry Farms and the surrounding area. We will use them as long as they'll let us!""
    Cody W.
  • ""Stop in and visit Dr. Jana Crim @ her brand new location if you are in the market for eyewear or contacts lenses! I just went there and I am very pleased with my new glasses. Great staff, selection and fast service! Go and 'see' for yourself.""
    David D.
  • ""My college senior walked on over to Dr. Jana during spring break and they fixed him all up with a new prescription and contacts! And Mikki was awesome helping get him in when he was home during break. I don't think he will ever go to the beach again for break when he can get his eyes examined at BF Eyecare instead!!""
    Matt B.
  • ""LOVED my experience here. Honestly, the best eye exam I've ever had. The staff was so kind, the exam was very thorough. Dr. Crim took her time with me and explained all kinds of things about my eye health that I hadn't heard before. I can't recommend Berry Farms EyeCare enough!
    The also give free infant eye exams (up to 1 year old)!""
    Hanna S.
  • ""I want to give a shout out to Berry Farms Eyecare if anybody is in need of a new eye doctor in the Franklin area they are amazing. We had to make an emergency trip there we called on the way there doctor was not in. They called her and she drove in just to see us and she took great care of us and they were all amazing. They have a beautiful office as well.""
    Stacy H.
  • ""Love! Love! Love! Dr. Jana and Mikki not only helped me but they did a fabulous job giving my 6 month old his first eye exam. I've been in glasses for over 20 years and this was the best experience with an eye doctor I've ever had! The office is beautiful and you can tell they really care about their patients!""
    Kayla C.
  • ""I absolutely love my new glasses! And am so happy to be able to walk to my neighborhood eye doctor. Dr. Jana and her team are fabulous and got me seeing clearly!""
    Deb M.
  • ""Love Berry Farms EyeCare!! Just Fabulous!!""
    Jennifer J.
  • ""Dr. Jana & her staff are courteous and very helpful. I had a terrific experience from start to finish; leaving with an order for 3 pairs of glasses as well. I was most impressed with what other had to say about their experience there and Dr. Jana's caring personality. The facility is beautiful inside as well. A+ across the board!""
    Stuart P.
  • ""Berry Farms EyeCare was absolutely wonderful! I was able to get in quickly. They were so friendly and helpful. I will definitely be a returning patient and will recommend them to others""
    Danielle S.
  • ""Great service, great selection, awesome staff, beautiful office space- what more can you ask for?!?!""
    Betsy T.
  • ""My family had a fantastic experience at Berry Farms eye care!! The office is gorgeous and the staff was wonderful!""
    April B.
  • ""This place is amazing! I had an eye issue this morning and Dr. Crim saw me before they even opened for the day. The medicine I needed for my eye was sold out at Publix and she took the time to call many pharmacies for me. Talk about customer service! The space is beautiful and staff is friendly. I'm so excited they have joined the berry farms community and excited to not have to battle the cool springs traffic.""
    Rachel L.
  • ""Dr Crim and her staff are fabulous! Very friendly, no wait time, I received a thorough exam, and my contacts were quickly delivered to my home. The new office is gorgeous and very welcoming. Highly recommend Berry Farms EyeCare.""
    Ashley F.
  • ""I'm a new patient at Dr. Crim's office and I have to say that this was the most pleasant appointment I've ever had. The practice was clean and well put together as well as the service. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Crim ( and staff ). Well done!""
    William F.
  • "Have been suffering from eye strain headaches. Just happened to read about Dr. Crim in an article. To say I am pleased I did is an understatement. From scheduling to the appt & f/up to get my glasses, everything especially the Dr was unbeatable. It's nice when you can tell someone cares & really wants to help. I am very pleased with my new glasses. If you haven't explored the businesses at Berry Farms, give this one a try. You won't regret it. (Review shortened due to space allotment)"
    Nicki R.
  • ""Had the most amazing experience yesterday! Took all 3 kids - in and out in less than an hour. Wonderful customer service! Would highly recommend!""
    J. Cleaver
  • ""Super personalable, they were able to work me to an appointment quick. Would totally recommend to anyone needing eyecare. They listened to me and they answered all my questions.""
    Olivia C.
  • ""Dr Crim took her time with my eye exam and explained everything she did. It was the best eye exam I had ! Dr. Crim staff was awesome too .""
    Pat M.

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