Is Low Vision Also Considered Blindness?

Kartunet - Self-identification and acceptance are initial requirements for individuals to understand their role and position in social interaction. However, confusion sometimes persists, especially for someone experiencing visual impairment but still having residual vision, also known as low vision. Individuals with this condition often reject the fact that they are also visually impaired. Is Low Vision Also Considered Blindness?

Visual impairment is a type of disability related to vision disorders. The term "visually impaired" encompasses a range of conditions from mild vision impairment to total blindness. In society, the understanding of visual impairment is often still limited, making it important to delve deeper into its classification and definition. This article will discuss various aspects of visual impairment, including its definition, classification, causes, and the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in daily life.

Definition of Visual Impairment

Visual impairment is a term used to describe a condition where a person experiences significant vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), visual impairment is defined as the inability to see at a level sufficient to perform daily tasks, even with corrective aids. This definition covers a broad spectrum from low vision to total blindness.

Classification of Visual Impairment

The classification of visual impairment is based on the severity of vision loss experienced by an individual. WHO classifies vision impairment into several categories based on visual acuity and field of vision:

1. Low Vision: Low vision is a condition where a person has visual acuity lower than 6/18, but still better than 3/60, even with the use of assistive devices. People with low vision can usually still see, but they require aids such as glasses, magnifiers, or assistive technology to perform daily activities.
2. Partial Blindness: Partial blindness refers to a condition where a person's visual acuity is between 3/60 and 1/60, or their field of vision is reduced to less than 20 degrees. Individuals with partial blindness may still have some perception of light and shadows, but they often experience difficulty recognizing faces and objects in their environment.
3. Total Blindness: Total blindness is a condition where a person has no light perception at all or visual acuity below 1/60. People with total blindness rely entirely on other senses, such as hearing and touch, to interact with their environment.

For example, with a visual acuity of 6/18. The first number (6) indicates the distance in meters at which the test is performed. In the metric system, visual acuity tests are typically conducted at a distance of 6 meters. The second number (18) indicates the distance at which a person with normal vision can read the same letters on the test. So, if someone has a visual acuity of 6/18, it means that what they can see clearly at 6 meters, a person with normal vision can see clearly at 18 meters. In other words, that person's vision is about three times worse than normal vision.

Causes of Visual Impairment

There are various causes that can lead to visual impairment, including genetic factors, diseases, injuries, and degenerative conditions. Some of the main causes of visual impairment include:

1. Cataracts: Cataracts are a condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry or hazy vision. Cataracts are a leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries.
2. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
3. Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for central vision. This disease is often associated with aging and can cause significant vision loss in older individuals.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. This condition can cause bleeding and scarring in the retina, leading to vision impairment and blindness.
5. Genetic Disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and albinism, can cause severe vision impairment or blindness from birth or develop later in life.

Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired Individuals

Visually impaired individuals face various challenges in daily life, including accessibility, education, employment, and social aspects. Some of the main challenges faced by visually impaired individuals include:

1. Accessibility: Many public places and infrastructures are still not fully friendly for visually impaired individuals. The lack of tactile signs, audio navigation, and other assistive technologies can hinder the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals.
2. Education: Visually impaired children often face difficulties in obtaining adequate education. The lack of learning materials in braille or accessible digital formats, as well as a shortage of teachers trained in inclusive education, can limit learning opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
3. Employment: The unemployment rate among visually impaired individuals tends to be higher compared to the general population. Discrimination, lack of workplace accessibility, and a mismatch between skills and job market needs are some contributing factors.
4. Social and Psychological: Visually impaired individuals often face social stigma and isolation, which can affect their psychological well-being. Support from family, friends, and the community is crucial in helping visually impaired individuals overcome these challenges and lead productive lives.

Conclusion

Understanding the classification and definition of visual impairment is an important step in raising awareness and understanding the needs and challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. With better knowledge, society can be more responsive and inclusive in providing the necessary support for visually impaired individuals to achieve independence and a better quality of life. For individuals with vision impairment, coming to terms with the fact that they are visually impaired, whether with low vision or totally blind, becomes a fundamental asset for living life. Through collective efforts to create a visually impaired-friendly environment, we can realize a more just and equitable world for everyone, regardless of their physical condition or health.

References

 World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Blindness and vision impairment.  American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). (2020). Statistics about vision loss.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Vision impairment and blindness.