What term describes vision that cannot be satisfactorily corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery?

The term that best describes vision that cannot be satisfactorily corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery is low vision. This condition refers to a significant visual impairment that affects an individual's ability to perform everyday activities, such as reading or recognizing faces, even with the use of corrective measures.

Low vision encompasses a range of severity and can be due to various underlying conditions, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. Unlike legal blindness, which has specific criteria involving visual acuity and field loss, low vision indicates that while some vision remains, it is insufficient for typical tasks and cannot be adequately improved through conventional corrective lenses or surgical options.

Understanding low vision is crucial in optometry because it guides the development of rehabilitation strategies, including the use of assistive devices designed to enhance remaining vision. This helps individuals lead more independent and fulfilling lives.