How is 'low vision' characterized?

Low vision is characterized by a persistent visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. This condition is defined primarily by the extent to which it affects an individual's daily functioning rather than by specific visual capabilities. The correct understanding of low vision encompasses the recognition that while a person may retain some usable sight, it often requires special adaptations or technology to maximize the remaining vision.

The condition is therefore best illustrated by describing abilities such as recognizing colors or needing additional aids. Individuals with low vision might not be able to see clearly even with corrective lenses, making options that suggest improvement with such lenses incorrect. Instead, low vision can manifest as needing optical aids for better functioning in daily activities, which aligns with the concepts presented in the choice that characterizes low vision as a situation requiring additional tools for improved sight. This choice accurately encapsulates the essence of low vision by emphasizing the necessity of support for daily functioning rather than suggesting that vision can be completely restored through correction alone.