poor eyesight

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor eyesight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has difficulty with their vision. For example: "Due to his poor eyesight, he needed to wear glasses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does poor eyesight contribute to automobile accidents?

The New York Times

He had prayed for my brother, who had poor eyesight.

The New Yorker

"And have poor eyesight, a great flaw, like their parents".

The New York Times

Her poor eyesight bothers her more than being bedridden.

The New York Times

Denied regular service because of poor eyesight, Robson enlisted in the Army Veterinary Corps.

Yale University

Since adolescence, he had had poor eyesight, and I'm not sure he ever learned to read.

The New York Times

A creature much prone to wallowing, it is known for its poor eyesight.

The New Yorker

Mr Yiannopoulos said that he was unable to see the salutes because of his poor eyesight.

The Times

Talk story about the poor eyesight of the Japanese, & about the Japanese optical business.

The New Yorker

By the end of his career, his poor eyesight meant he conducted entirely from memory.

The Guardian

Austen eventually suffered from very poor eyesight, if the eyeglasses indeed belonged to her.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "poor eyesight", be specific about the nature and severity of the vision problem if possible. For example, specify if it's nearsightedness, farsightedness, or another condition.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone has "poor eyesight" without providing context. Instead, describe how it affects their daily life or activities to give the reader a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor eyesight" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun (eyesight) to indicate a deficiency or sub-optimal quality. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing a person's physical condition or explaining limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "poor eyesight" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe deficient visual ability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English and notes its descriptive function. With examples drawn from news sources, wikis, and scientific publications, "poor eyesight" demonstrates a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "visual impairment" or "low vision" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak vision

This term describes a general reduction in visual acuity.

impaired vision

This phrase suggests a functional limitation in seeing.

visual impairment

A more formal term for reduced visual capability.

low vision

Indicates a significant reduction in sight that affects daily activities.

defective vision

This alternative suggests a flaw in the visual system.

failing eyesight

Describes a gradual decline in visual ability.

reduced visual acuity

A technical term referring to the sharpness of vision.

subnormal vision

Indicates a level of vision below what is considered normal.

eyesight problems

A general term covering any issues related to vision.

vision difficulties

This phrase refers to challenges experienced due to sight deficiencies.

FAQs

How can I describe "poor eyesight" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using terms such as "visual impairment", "low vision", or "reduced visual acuity".

What are some common causes of "poor eyesight"?

Common causes include refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and age-related macular degeneration. Other causes can include cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Is it better to say "poor eyesight" or "bad eyesight"?

"Poor eyesight" and "bad eyesight" are often used interchangeably. However, "poor eyesight" might be perceived as slightly more formal or clinical, while "bad eyesight" is more colloquial.

What kind of assistive devices are commonly used by people with "poor eyesight"?

People with "poor eyesight" may use eyeglasses, contact lenses, magnifiers, telescopes, screen readers, and other adaptive technologies to improve their vision and quality of life.