Definition of Blindness or Low Vision

Low vision and blindness affect all demographic groups and can be categorized in degrees of vision loss. Those with blindness or low vision may have some sight, but they are not able to correct their vision through surgery, eyeglasses, or medications.

Levels of Vision Impairment

• Those who have vision of 20/200 that cannot be improved are considered legally blind. Within the blindness category are severe low vision, profound low vision, near total blindness and total blindness.

Indications of Low Vision

• Aside from doctor's exams, there are some distinct symptoms that indicate the onset of low vision. Individuals may have difficulty identifying once-familiar faces or reading text due to distortions and blank spots and may have double vision. Those facing low vision also may have difficulty navigating their environment and may have eye discomfort and swelling, or even changes in iris color.

Causes

• Often those with low vision are senior citizens who experience conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. But blindness and low vision are not limited to one age group, and a variety of other diseases, such as diabetes, AIDS, river blindness and strabismus, can be causes of vision loss.

Statistics

• According to recent finding by the National Health Interview Survey's Provisional Report, at least 25.2 million individuals in the United States experience some level of uncorrectable vision impairment.

Treatment

• Although low vision and blindness cannot be cured, vision therapy can often make day-to-day living more safe and comfortable for individuals living with the conditions. Training by vision rehabilitation therapists on tools such as magnifiers and telescopic lenses can help improve independence and functionality levels.