Low vision can be the consequence of various diseases, disorders and injuries that affect the eye. Many people with low vision have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. The first of those mentioned is responsible for almost 45% of all these cases.

 Low vision can occur at any age, but without a doubt, the largest number of people in these circumstances are old people. It is often caused by changes in central vision. Occasionally, it is associated with the loss of lateral (peripheral) vision near the center. In a few cases it is associated with color blindness or difficulty adapting to changes in brightness within the visual field.