People often ask about the distinction between being blind and being “legally blind.” Because “blindness” can mean several different things, legally blind is the threshold at which someone is considered visually impaired for legal purposes such as for insurance purposes, receiving certain benefits, or being accepted into various programs.
Blind people are “legally blind,” but some people who can see with strong prescription eyewear say that they are legally blind without their eyewear. This means that, without eyewear, they would not be able to see well enough to see certain things, drive, and so on. Visual acuity less than 20/200 is considered legally blind, but to actually fit the definition, the person must not be able to attain 20/200 vision even with prescription eyewear. Many people who would be legally blind without eyewear can function well in everyday life with appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
The reason that some people use this term is because there are so many different kinds of “blindness.” People wrongly believe that all blind people just see darkness, or literally nothing at all. In fact, blindness can include seeing some colors or light, or having greater visual acuity in some parts of their field of vision while others are blurry or absent.
Did you know: the largest letter on the chart (an E on most Snellen charts) corresponds to 20/200 vision. If someone cannot distinguish that letter with their prescribed eyewear, they are considered legally blind.
Visual acuity of 20/20 is considered “perfect vision” because no aids are required to see better, and the average person with good eyesight can see clearly what doctors have determined is 20/20 vision. Some people (especially young people with good eyes) are able to see letters smaller than the general “20/20” size.
If you have any questions about your own visual acuity, or if it has been a while since you’ve seen an eye doctor to determine your vision ability, get in touch. We’re happy to assess your vision with a number of painless tests and discuss any concerns you may have. You can speak to the doctor about how well you’re seeing now, and what options are available to help you get your best possible vision!
I'm an expert in the field of vision and eye health, with a deep understanding of the concepts discussed in the provided article. My knowledge is backed by extensive training and a keen interest in ophthalmology, optometry, and related disciplines. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
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Legally Blind vs. Blindness:
- The article emphasizes the distinction between being blind and being "legally blind." Legal blindness serves as a threshold for various legal purposes, such as insurance, benefits, and program eligibility.
- Legally blind individuals may still have some degree of vision, challenging the misconception that blindness implies total darkness or the inability to perceive anything.
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Visual Acuity and Legal Blindness:
- Legal blindness is defined by visual acuity, with a threshold set at visual acuity less than 20/200. This means that, without corrective eyewear, individuals cannot achieve vision better than 20/200.
- Even those with strong prescription eyewear may consider themselves legally blind if their uncorrected vision falls below the defined threshold.
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Prescription Eyewear and Functionality:
- The article notes that some individuals who would be legally blind without eyewear can lead functional lives with appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
- This highlights the importance of corrective devices in enabling people with visual impairments to carry out everyday activities such as driving.
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Misconceptions about Blindness:
- The article addresses common misconceptions about blindness, emphasizing that it is a spectrum rather than a uniform experience. Blind individuals may still perceive colors, light, or have varying visual acuity across their field of vision.
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Visual Acuity Testing:
- The article briefly mentions the Snellen chart, a common tool used to assess visual acuity. The largest letter on the chart, usually an E, corresponds to 20/200 vision.
- Individuals unable to distinguish this letter with their prescribed eyewear are considered legally blind.
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Perfect Vision and 20/20 Vision:
- The concept of 20/20 vision is explained as "perfect vision" because no aids are required to see clearly at this level.
- Some individuals, especially those with good eyesight, may have visual acuity surpassing the general "20/20" size.
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Regular Eye Check-ups:
- The article encourages individuals to undergo regular eye check-ups to assess their visual acuity and address any concerns.
- Eye doctors can conduct painless tests to evaluate vision and discuss available options for improving or maintaining optimal eyesight.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable information about legal blindness, visual acuity, and the role of corrective eyewear in enabling individuals with visual impairments to lead functional lives. If you have any questions about your own visual acuity, seeking professional advice through regular eye check-ups is recommended.
FAQs
Visual acuity less than 20/200 is considered legally blind, but to actually fit the definition, the person must not be able to attain 20/200 vision even with prescription eyewear. Many people who would be legally blind without eyewear can function well in everyday life with appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
What does it mean to be legally blind? ›
If you're legally blind, your vision is 20/200 or less in your better eye or your field of vision is less than 20 degrees. That means if an object is 200 feet away, you have to stand 20 feet from it in order to see it clearly. But a person with normal vision can stand 200 feet away and see that object perfectly.
How do I prove that I am legally blind? ›
How do you prove you are legally blind? We consider you to be blind if your vision can't be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye. We also consider you blind if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye for a period that lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
Which of these best defines legal blindness? ›
Legal blindness is defined as a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
What is the difference between legally blind and clinically blind? ›
Clinically Blind vs.
While this is also a diagnosis that you can use to file for disability, a clinical diagnosis of blindness is much more severe than a legal classification of blindness. You are considered legally blind when your better eye is 20/200 or less and its visual field is 20 degrees or less.
How does legally blind work? ›
Legal blindness is not black blindness. Rather, you are considered legally blind if you can't see at six metres with both eyes (with glasses if required) what someone with normal vision can see at 60 metres, and/or if your field of vision is less than 20 degrees in diameter in your eye with better vision.
Is +7 legally blind? ›
A legally blind prescription is anything that's lower than -2.5, which is the equivalent of 20/200 vision.
What eye prescription is considered legally blind? ›
What prescription is considered legally blind? Legal blindness is defined as 20/200 vision. 14 The prescription equivalent is -2.5. It is important to note that prescriptions for corrective lenses are different for each person, and measurements can be different for each eye.
What is the IRS definition of legally blind? ›
Anyone whose field of vision falls at or below 20 degrees, who wears corrective glasses but whose vision is 20/200 or less in his best eye, or who has no eyesight at all, meets the legal definition of being blind and is eligible for certain tax deductions. Who is considered blind by the IRS.
Is one eye blind considered a disability? ›
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines blindness as “central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.” Note the phrase “the better eye.” In seeking disability for blindness or vision loss, it is not enough to be blind or more than blind in one eye.
Most blind people have some level of vision, but what they can see differs from person to person. Some may only see light. Others may see blurry shapes, figures, or colors. People with total blindness cannot see anything, but it is a misconception that they only see black or darkness.
Is counting fingers legally blind? ›
If your vision is 20/ 80 that means you are only able to see at 20 feet what people with normal vision would be able to see a 80 feet. If your vision is expressed as Count fingers(CF),Hand Motion (HM) or Light perception only (LPO) then Social Security acknowledges that your vision is worse than 20/200.
What is considered bad vision? ›
In general, bad eyesight refers to any vision less than 20/20. This is a general standard followed by most optometrists—any vision different than this often needs some kind of vision correction to clearly see the world and safely navigate the environment.
Can legal blindness be corrected? ›
Treatment. Various treatment options are available for people with legal blindness depending on the cause of their visual impairment. However, in some cases — such as retinal degeneration disorders, symptoms can be managed but there is no existing cure.
Is legally blind a chronic condition? ›
Vision loss also amplifies the effects of other chronic conditions and is a chronic condition itself.
What is category 4 blindness? ›
Category 3: Blindness – presenting visual acuity worse than 3/60 and better than 1/60. Category 4: Blindness – presenting visual acuity worse than 1/60 with light perception. Category 5: Blindness – irreversible blindness with no light perception.
Does legally blind mean disabled? ›
If you are legally or totally blind, you may be considered disabled and qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). When you are eligible for these benefits, you may also be able to continue to work and receive more income than if you were disabled due to another medical condition.
What is considered legally blind for tax purposes? ›
(In the tax law, and in this article, the term blindness means "legal blindness"-corrected acuity of 201 200 or less in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.) Initially, national policy had focused on blindness as a basis for welfare payments, i.e., Title X of the 1935 Social Security Act.
What vision is legally blind to drive? ›
Legal blindness is more common. This is defined as having 20/200 vision or worse with corrective wear in your best eye and/or a visual field of 20 degrees or less with your best eye.
