Introduction
Legal blindness is a term used to describe a person’s vision that is so poor that it prevents them from doing everyday activities. The term ‘legal blindness’ has a specific meaning in the United States and other countries, and is often used to determine eligibility for certain types of assistance, such as disability benefits. In this article, we will explore the definition of legal blindness, its causes, and how it can impact education, employment and quality of life.
Exploring the Legal Definition of Blindness
The legal definition of blindness varies by country. In the United States, blindness is classified as a visual impairment that meets the criteria of the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to the SSA, a person must have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in their better eye, with the best correction possible, to be considered legally blind. A visual acuity of 20/200 means that a person has to stand 20 feet away from an object to see it clearly, while someone with normal vision can see it from 200 feet away.
What Causes Blindness and How Is It Diagnosed?
Blindness can be caused by a variety of factors including disease, injury, birth defects, or genetics. Common causes of blindness include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related vision loss. A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose these conditions and determine if a person is legally blind.
During an eye exam, an ophthalmologist or optometrist will measure a person’s visual acuity and use other tests to assess the health of the eyes. These tests include visual field tests, which measure a person’s peripheral vision, and tonometry tests, which measure intraocular pressure. Other tests may be used depending on the suspected cause of the vision loss.
Types of Visual Impairments and Legal Blindness
Visual impairments can range from mild to severe. People with mild impairments may be able to read large print books, whereas people with severe impairments may not be able to distinguish light from dark. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies visual impairments into three categories: low vision, moderate vision impairment, and severe vision impairment.
Low vision is defined as a visual acuity of 20/70 to 20/400. People with low vision are considered to be legally blind. Moderate vision impairment is defined as a visual acuity of 20/400 to 20/1000. Severe vision impairment is defined as a visual acuity of 20/1000 or worse.
Living With Legal Blindness: Challenges and Adaptations
Living with legal blindness can bring about many challenges. Adjusting to life with legal blindness can take time, and people will need to learn new skills and techniques to cope with their vision loss. Home modifications, such as installing handrails, brighter lighting, and non-slip floors, can make living with legal blindness easier. Furthermore, mental health challenges can arise with vision loss, and it is important to seek counseling and support.
Assistive Technology for People With Legal Blindness
Assistive technology can help people with legal blindness to complete tasks more easily and independently. Low vision aids, such as magnifiers and telescopic lenses, can help people to see objects more clearly. Computer accessibility software and screen readers can also help people with legal blindness to access computers and the internet. There are also a variety of other assistive technologies available, such as talking clocks and watches, Braille displays, and audio books.
The Impact of Legal Blindness on Education, Employment and Quality of Life
Legal blindness can have a significant impact on a person’s education, employment, and quality of life. People with legal blindness may require accommodations in order to pursue an education or gainful employment. They may also face challenges when it comes to participating in activities they once enjoyed or finding meaningful ways to contribute to society.
It is important to note that although legal blindness can present challenges, there are still many opportunities for people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives. With the right adaptations and assistive technologies, people with legal blindness can pursue their goals and enjoy life like anyone else.
Conclusion
In conclusion, legal blindness is a term used to describe a person’s vision that is so poor that it prevents them from doing everyday activities. The legal definition of blindness varies by country, and in the United States, a person must have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in their better eye, with the best correction possible, to be considered legally blind. Blindness can be caused by a variety of factors, and certain types of visual impairments can qualify as legal blindness. Living with legal blindness can present challenges, but with the right adaptations and assistive technologies, people with legal blindness can pursue their goals and enjoy life like anyone else.
If you or someone you know is living with legal blindness, there are resources available to help. Organizations such as the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind provide information, support, and resources for people with visual impairments.
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