Eagleview Eye Clinic

Archives October 2025

FUNCTIONAL BLINDNESS

Functional blindness refers to a level of visual impairment that significantly impacts an individual’s daily life and ability to perform tasks. It is often characterized by severe visual loss, but the definition can vary depending on the context.

Key Aspects of Functional Blindness

  • Severe Visual Loss: Functional blindness typically involves significant visual impairment, making it difficult to perform daily tasks without assistance.
  • Impact on Daily Life: The visual impairment affects an individual’s ability to engage in everyday activities, such as reading, cooking, or navigating their environment.
  • Adaptation and Assistance: Individuals with functional blindness often rely on assistive devices, techniques, or support from others to manage their daily lives.

Causes of Functional Blindness

  • Eye Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts can lead to functional blindness if left untreated or if treatment is not effective.
  • Injury or Trauma: Severe eye injuries or trauma can result in significant visual impairment.
  • Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain injury, can affect vision and lead to functional blindness.

Living with Functional Blindness

  • Rehabilitation Services: Individuals with functional blindness can benefit from rehabilitation services, such as orientation and mobility training, to learn new skills and adapt to their environment.
  • Assistive Technology: Various assistive devices and technologies, like screen readers, braille displays, or smart canes, can help individuals with functional blindness navigate their surroundings and perform tasks.
  • Support Networks: Support from family, friends, and community resources plays a crucial role in helping individuals with functional blindness maintain their independence and quality of life.

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LEGAL BLINDNESS

Legal blindness is a term used to describe a level of visual impairment that meets specific criteria, often used for legal or administrative purposes. The definition may vary slightly depending on the country or region, but generally, it refers to a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in both eyes with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye.

Key Aspects of Legal Blindness

  • Visual Acuity: A visual acuity of 20/200 means that an individual can see objects clearly at 20 feet away that a person with normal vision can see at 200 feet away.
  • Visual Field: A visual field of 20 degrees or less means that an individual’s field of vision is significantly restricted, making it difficult to see objects or movement outside of a narrow range.
  • Corrective Lenses: The definition of legal blindness takes into account the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, to improve visual acuity.

Implications of Legal Blindness

  • Disability Benefits: Individuals who are legally blind may be eligible for disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Assistive Technology: Legally blind individuals may use assistive technology, such as screen readers, braille displays, or magnifiers, to access information and perform daily tasks.
  • Rehabilitation Services: Legally blind individuals may be eligible for rehabilitation services, such as orientation and mobility training, to help them adapt to their visual impairment.

Living with Legal Blindness

  • Adaptation: Many individuals who are legally blind adapt to their visual impairment by developing new skills and strategies for daily living.
  • Support: Support from family, friends, and community resources can play a significant role in helping individuals who are legally blind maintain their independence and quality of life.
  • Technology: Advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence and wearable devices, are continually improving the lives of individuals who are legally blind.

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