Visual Impairment: Overview, Causes and Living with Low Vision
Visual impairment refers to any loss of vision that cannot be cured medically or through the use of glasses or contact lenses. It can range from moderate vision loss to complete blindness. According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness, with at least 1 billion having a vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed.
Types of Visual Impairment
There are different types and levels of vision loss. Some common types include:
Low Vision: Low vision refers to a visual impairment where vision cannot be fully corrected with regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. It means having a visual acuity of 20/70 to 20/200 in the better-seeing eye or a visual field of less than 20 degrees. With low vision aids and adaptive strategies, individuals are still able to perform visual tasks.
Legal Blindness: Legal blindness is a definition used for programs and services. It means having visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Individuals with legal blindness generally cannot perform visual tasks without significant adaptations and may rely on non-visual senses or use of equipment.
Complete Blindness: Complete or total blindness means having no usable vision. Individuals have no light perception in either eye and are considered completely blind. They generally depend entirely on non-visual senses or equipment to perform daily activities.
Causes of Vision Loss
There are many potential causes of vision impairment and blindness. Some of the leading causes globally include:
Uncorrected Refractive Errors: Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism that can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. An estimated 186 million people are visually impaired from uncorrected refractive errors.
Cataracts: A clouding of the lens of the eye. Untreated cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally affecting over 20 million people. Cataract surgery can often restore vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A condition that destroys the central vision due to damage to the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, clear vision. It is a leading cause of blindness in developed countries.
Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve due to increased pressure inside the eye. It is a major cause of blindness and causes irreversible damage if not treated early.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina) due to complications from diabetes. It is one of the most common causes of new cases of blindness among American adults.
Childhood Blindness: Leading causes in children include retinal diseases, cataracts, infections and refractive errors. Globally, an estimated 1.4 million children are blind, most of which could have been prevented or treated.
Trachoma: An infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions or flies. Repeated infection can cause scarring of the inner eyelid and lash complications leading to blindness.
Access to screening, early detection and treatment is crucial to prevent many causes of vision loss from progressing or causing permanent blindness. Regular eye exams are important for prompt management of eye conditions and diseases.
Living with Low Vision
For the many people living with low vision or blindness, daily life requires adaptive strategies and tools. Some ways to enhance independent living include:
Magnifiers: Handheld or stand magnifiers of various strengths can help enlarge text and objects for close-up tasks like reading, cooking, crafts and more.
Low Vision Aids: Devices like closed-circuit televisions, video magnifiers and computer software utilize cameras, magnification software or CCTV technology to enlarge text or images for viewing.
Lighting Adjustments: Increasing lighting levels through natural, incandescent or fluorescent lighting can improve contrast and visibility. Task lighting directed to areas of work is also helpful.
Adaptive Equipment: Tools like signature guides, talking or Braille labeling systems, talking clocks and watches support independence with daily routines.
Mobility Aids: A white cane is the standard mobility device for those who are blind or have low vision to navigate independently. Guide dogs also assist with mobility and detection of obstacles or drops.
Support Groups: Connecting with organizations that provide peer support, mentorship, adaptive skills training and community for those with vision loss helps address adjustment needs.
While vision impairment presents challenges, with support and proper low vision rehabilitation, many individuals are still able to successfully live independently and actively participate in work, education and life activities through adaptive strategies and technology. Early intervention and ongoing management of underlying eye conditions by eye care professionals also helps maximize remaining vision over time. With continued research and access to resources, more individuals with vision loss will be empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
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