Vision Impairment Simulator

Compare Different Conditions:
Keep the same scene selected and switch between vision conditions to explore how the illustrations differ.

Try Everyday Activities:
Keep a condition selected and change scenes. Compare reading a menu, shopping, or crossing a busy street.

Using a Phone?
Tap Original Photo and Illustrated view to switch between the two views.

Remember: These simplified illustrations cannot reproduce anyone's actual vision or diagnose an eye condition. Full medical disclaimer.

What Can a Vision Simulator Show?

Our Vision Simulator compares everyday photographs with simplified illustrations of changes in sight. It helps you explore why activities such as reading, shopping, or navigating busy places may become more challenging when sharpness, contrast, or parts of the visual field are affected.

These examples are educational. They cannot reproduce exactly what another person sees or determine whether someone has an eye condition.

Which Vision Conditions Are Illustrated?

The simulator includes 14 selections covering eye conditions and broader changes in vision. Some examples include:

• Macular degeneration: Blurred or obscured central vision that may make reading and recognizing faces difficult.
• Glaucoma: Reduced side vision that can occur as the condition progresses. Early glaucoma often causes no noticeable symptoms. Learn more about how a glaucoma eye differs from a normal eye (opens in a new tab).
• Cataracts: Cloudy vision, faded colors, and increased glare. Explore our guide to recognizing cataract symptoms (opens in a new tab).
• Diabetic retinopathy: Examples of blurred areas and dark patches. Early disease may cause no noticeable vision changes.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: Reduced side vision and difficulty seeing in low light.

Try Different Everyday Situations

The same vision change can affect activities differently. Try comparing:

• Reading a restaurant menu: Notice how reduced sharpness or central vision may affect fine details.
• Shopping in a supermarket: Explore how contrast and peripheral vision changes may affect awareness of surrounding objects.
• Crossing a busy street: Consider why noticing movement and objects outside your central view matters.

Change both the condition and the scene to explore different examples. Remember that the effects are illustrative, not measurements of anyone's actual vision.

Learn More About Vision Changes

If you've noticed changes in your own eyesight, start with our guides to signs you may need glasses (opens in a new tab) and common eye symptoms and when to get checked (opens in a new tab).

For personal vision concerns, consult a qualified eye care professional. Sudden vision loss or a sudden major change in sight requires urgent medical attention.