Definition of Blindness
and Loss of Vision
The definition of blindness has to do with very specific medical parameters. And also, in some cases, federal government standards. So there are particular, concrete considerations as to what is blindness. Firstly, there are different types of loss of vision. All vision loss, of course, must be diagnosed by a health care professional, using an exam with dilation. This should be part of ongoing elderly health care. Here is a quick list including an overall definition of blindness, legally blind, and other parameters of loss of vision -- all very serious elderly issues. See below for other facts about blindness.
Here is a brief definition of blindness and loss of vision. Total blindness. You are unable to see anything using either eye, even with corrective lenses. This is more rare. Legal blindness. This is really a relative term and is often used by the federal government to assess receipt of benefits. It is vision of 20/200 or worse in the best eye, even with corrective lenses, or having a total loss of 20 degrees or more within one’s field of vision. This can help qualify people for federal and state aid. Veterans may receive additional aid. Vision impairment. Even with corrective lenses, you have difficulty with daily tasks and with reading normal sized print. Your vision is 20/70 or worse in your strongest eye even with corrective lenses. There is also a total loss of 140 degrees or more within one’s field of vision. Other complaints are poor night vision and sensitivity to light and glare. After age 60 some loss of vision is very common, and it is typical to find that you need more brightness when reading and doing other daily tasks; that it is more difficult to do things outside after dark, and seeing at night while driving is reduced – often called “night blindness.” As we age the pupil (dark circle in the middle of the colored portion of your iris) is weakened and does not open as widely to let light in. So less light, then, is reaching the inner area of the eye called the retina, where the processing of vision takes place. Some age-related loss of vision involves problems with the retina. Blindness obviously involves many levels of vision loss. Many of the causes of blindness can be prevented or at least stopped. Find out how...read our other related articles on loss of vision for further details about these elderly issues. Other related articles include:
Cataracts,
Macular Degeneration,
Glaucoma,
Diabetic Retinopathy.
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