Definition of Visually Impaired

There are many different levels of low vision and blindness, ranging from slightly fuzzy vision or reduced range of vision to a complete inability to detect light. It can be important to know the definitions of these different levels because of various legal restrictions or disability qualifications.

Levels of Impairment

• Vision impairment can be defined several different ways, but the World Health Organization has separated it into five levels. Keep in mind that normal vision is 20/20.
  Level one, low vision, is defined by a corrected vision of 20/70 or worse.
  Level two, low vision, is defined vision measured below 20/200.
  Level three, blindness, has a measurement of less than 20/400
  Level four, blindness, starts at 5/300.
  Level five, blindness, is the inability to detect light.
  Vision impairment is also defined by a range of vision less than 12 percent of normal.

Restrictions on the Visually Impaired

• Certain levels of visual impairment call for legal restrictions on activities such as driving. Although the laws vary slightly from state to state, they all have the same general guidelines.
  In the state of Michigan, for instance, an unrestricted driver's license may be granted to someone with vision of 20/40 or better. Corrective lenses must be worn while driving if necessary to reach the 20/40 standard. A restricted, daylight-driving only license is issued if the applicant has vision of 20/50-20/70. A license is denied to anyone whose vision does not meet the 20/70 minimum.

Benefits for the Visually Impaired

• Visual impairment also can qualify you for disability benefits from Social Security or other organizations. On the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov), they state, "We consider you to be legally blind under Social Security rules if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens."
  Visual impairment can also exempt you from military service in case of a draft.

Services for the Visually Impaired

• There are many organizations that have been formed to assist the visually impaired. One such group is the Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (see resources). On their website, they describe themselves as a "non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring self-esteem, independence and self determination among people who are blind or visually impaired." Although based in Philadelphia, they also help those in other areas by connecting them with local organizations.
  Another group that is dedicated to serving the blind or visually impaired community is the Helen Keller Services for the Blind. Their missions statement is to "help people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired to develop independence and to participate actively and fully in their communities."

How to Protect Your Vision

• Although some vision problems are hereditary or the result of accident, there are things that you can do to protect your vision. Obviously, be careful with bright lights, such as the sun, and with sharp objects. Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille alphabet for the blind, was blinded as a boy when playing with a shoemaker's awl.
  Also, you should make sure that your diet includes plenty of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. These are necessary nutrients for eye health. Green leafy vegetables help improve aging eyesight.