Understanding 4 Different Types Of Vision Impairments
You depend on your eyesight to help you see the world around you. When things aren't in focus the way they once were, it can make it all that much more difficult to do the things that you once did with ease. Vision problems can strike at any point in time. Since there are so many different levels of vision loss, it is important to know what you are dealing with and what can be done to correct the problem. For those who have low vision, there are a few different levels to help you understand what you are dealing with.
Visual Impairment
For those who are considered visually impaired, that often means that you have a reduced level of visual accuracy, distorted vision, perception difficulties or loss of your visual field. Not sure what that means? Essentially, it means that what you once saw at 20 feet is now blurry and difficult to make out. The item will appear distorted and out of focus. You might think that something is really far away when it is actually really close to you.
Low Vision
For the most part, these individuals are those who end up having to wear prescription lenses to correct their vision, from a 20/70 on up to as much as 20/200. Depending on what state you live in, some states don't allow you to possess an unrestricted license due to your vision. While you aren't considered legally blind at this phase, your vision is severely impaired when not wearing your glasses.
Legally Blind
If your vision is worse than 20/200, you are generally termed as being legally blind. What this means is that the optometrist isn't able to get your vision to a point where you are seeing within the parameters outlined by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be safe behind the wheel of a car. Those with this degree of visual impairment often struggle with their peripheral vision as well.
Completely Blind
Just as the name implies, those individuals who fall into this category aren't able to see anything. Regardless of whether you have corrective lenses or not, it isn't going to do any good for someone who falls into this category.
To help you understand your degree of impairment, you need to make an appointment with a licensed optometrist for a complete eye exam and consultation. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can begin working on correcting it. Contact an optometrist like Dr. Diane Trevis to learn more.
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