Not all ophthalmologists agree with an exclusively numerical description (or visual acuity) of visual impairment. Another, more functional definition of visual impairment includes: 2) Global Burden of Disease Study Expert Panel on Vision Loss. Trends in the prevalence of blindness and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Global Health 2020. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30425-3 As in the past, legal blindness continues to be defined as the best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the best eye; or a limitation of the field of vision so that the widest diameter of the field of view on the best eye tends to be an angle not exceeding 20 degrees, measured with a Goldmann III4e stimulus or equivalent size. Like visual impairment, there are many different definitions of visual impairment. “Visual impairment” is a broad term that describes a wide range of visual functions, from visual impairment to complete blindness. An ophthalmologist will measure visual acuity and visual field to determine if a person is legally blind. Treatments for legal blindness vary depending on the cause and stage of the disease.

Age-related eye conditions are usually prescription medications or eye procedures aimed at delaying or preventing vision from getting worse. SSA does not use the results of visual field screening tests such as confrontation tests, tangent screening tests, or automated static screening tests to determine legal blindness. A legally blind person with 20/200 vision (with the best corrective lenses) would have to be 20 feet away from an object to see it, and someone with 20/20 vision could see it from 200 feet away. Eye trauma or injury and genetic diseases, such as Usher syndrome, can also lead to legal blindness. Did you know: The largest letter on the diagram (an E on most Snellen diagrams) is a 20/200 vision. If someone cannot distinguish this letter with his prescribed glasses, he is considered blind within the meaning of the law. There are many conditions that can cause legal blindness, but the most common are age-related eye diseases. Age-related eye diseases, which are the main causes of poor vision and blindness: We`ve all heard the term “legally blind,” but what does it really mean? How is it different from complete blindness and who is considered legally blind? Most surveys and studies show that the majority of people living in the United States with vision loss are adults who are not completely blind; Instead, they have what`s called poor eyesight. You may have heard the terms “partial vision” or “partial blindness” or even “poor eyesight,” which are also used to describe low vision. However, these descriptions are no longer commonly used. Here is a definition of low vision that refers to visual acuity: Being classified as legally blind means that you cannot drive in any condition. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

When determining right blindness, the field of vision (the part of a person`s vision that allows them to see what is happening on their end) is also taken into account. A field of vision of 20 degrees or less is considered blind under the law. Ophthalmologists can help diagnose right blindness. WHO`s main areas of work and activities for the prevention of blindness are: Total blindness is the complete absence of light perception and shape perception and is recorded as “NLP”, an abbreviation for “no perception of light”. What does it mean to be legally blind? The definition of legal blindness was developed as a guideline to help people receive government support, such as Social Security disability benefits. The Department of Motor Vehicles also uses the definition to measure visibility and protect our roads from drivers who have difficulty seeing. To be legally blind, you must meet one of two criteria: visual acuity (visual acuity) and field of vision (the full range of what you can see without moving your eyes). For more information on definitions of statutory blindness, see Assessment of Disability in Social Security, a publication of the Social Security Administration.

You may be surprised to learn that it is Uncle Sam, not the doctor, who determines whether you are legally blind.