Home /
Optical Center / Prescription / What Prescription Is Legally Blind?
Home /
Optical Center / Prescription / What Prescription Is Legally Blind?
Ask the Optician
For specific medical advice, please consult a doctor
- Send
Thank You!
Your message has been sent successfully.
You can expect a reply from our customer service team in a few hours. Most of the emails are being replied within 8 hours.
What does legally blind mean? | How to test if you’re legally blind | Is 20/80 vision legally blind?
Being legally blind does not necessarily mean that you can't see anything at all. Learn how legal blindness differs from complete blindness and what the threshold is for it.
People are often confused about the definition of legal blindness, how to understand if an individual is legally blind, and how that differs from being completely blind.
Whether or not yourprescriptionis considered to be legally blind can affect a vast range of things: from your ability to obtain a driver’s license to tax exemptions andinsuranceor disability benefits. Because of the enormous impact this can have on your life, it is crucial to understand what it means.
What does legally blind mean?
Complete blindness differs from one individual to another: some can see light, while others can have visual acuity in some parts of their field of vision. Visual acuity refers to the clarity of vision and how clearly an individual can see.
Contrary to what most people believe, blind people don’t see darkness or anything at all. Now, you may be asking yourself if completely blind people are considered legally blind. The answer is yes, but the definition of legal blindness is more complex than that.
It extends to individuals that can see but have extremely low visual acuity and, for that reason, have many limitations regarding their daily activities, mobility, and employment.
DID YOU KNOW?
If a person is legally blind, they are eligible for certain benefits such as job training or disability allowance.
How to test if you’re legally blind
To test your vision, your optician will make you look at a Snellen chart (a chart of mixed letters to read from a distance of about 20 feet). When completing thetest, a result of 20/20 visual acuity means having perfect vision and seeing any object (or letter) clearly from 20 feet away.
Having 20/200 or less visual acuity means being legally blind. Simply put, the largest letter on the Snellen chart corresponds to 20/200 vision. If someone cannot read that correctly, that means they have 20/200 or less visual acuity, and they are to be considered legally blind.
Your optician may also give you a visual field test. During this test, you may be considered legally blind if your peripheral vision is about 20° or less. Once you’ve taken these tests, you may need helpreadingyour prescription. If your prescription is -2.5 or lower, you are legally blind, as visual acuity of -2.5 is equivalent to 20/200 vision.
Another thing to consider when having 20/200 or less visual acuity is whether or not it can be improved withcontact lensesorglasses. If you have 20/200 visual acuity that improves by wearingprescription glassesorcontacts, you are not considered legally blind.
Is 20/80 vision legally blind?
Most countries agree on the definition of legal blindness; however, laws may differ regarding the minimum visual acuity required to obtain a driver’s license. Some countries require 20/80 visual acuity to be able to drive.
Does having 20/80 or less visual acuity mean being legally blind? No, as that restriction only regards driver’s licenses.
If you have more questions regarding your visual acuity, head to ouroptical centerand find out more from our opticians, or if it has been a while since your last appointment and you’re struggling with your vision, speak to your eye doctor.
Related articles
Do I Need Glasses?
There are many signs that you may need glasses. if you've noticed any of these, it's time to get your...
View more
Color Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses
EnChroma glasses are lenses that have been specifically engineered for people suffering from colour blindness. The colour blind glasses allow...
View more
Related articles
Do I Need Glasses?
There are many signs that you may need glasses. if you've noticed any of these, it's time to get your...
View more
Color Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses
EnChroma glasses are lenses that have been specifically engineered for people suffering from colour blindness. The colour blind glasses allow...
View more
As a seasoned optician with years of experience in the field, I'm here to shed light on the intricacies of legal blindness and how it pertains to prescriptions. Legal blindness is a term that often mystifies individuals, and there's a common misconception that it means a complete lack of vision. However, the reality is far more nuanced.
Legal blindness encompasses a range of visual impairments, extending beyond complete blindness to individuals with severely limited visual acuity. Visual acuity, which measures the clarity of vision, becomes a crucial factor in determining legal blindness. Contrary to popular belief, blind individuals may still perceive light or have varying degrees of vision in different parts of their field of view.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of how legal blindness is determined in terms of visual acuity. To ascertain if an individual is legally blind, opticians employ various tests, including the use of a Snellen chart. A result of 20/20 visual acuity is considered perfect vision, meaning one can see objects clearly from a distance of 20 feet. On the other hand, a visual acuity of 20/200 or lower qualifies as legally blind. The Snellen chart's largest letter corresponds to 20/200 vision, and failure to read it correctly indicates legal blindness.
Additionally, opticians may conduct a visual field test, where peripheral vision is assessed. If the peripheral vision is about 20° or less, the individual may be considered legally blind. It's crucial to note that legal blindness doesn't necessarily imply a complete lack of vision but rather a significant limitation in daily activities, mobility, and employment due to low visual acuity.
When it comes to prescriptions, understanding the correlation between prescription strength and legal blindness is vital. If your prescription is -2.5 or lower, you may be considered legally blind, as visual acuity of -2.5 is equivalent to 20/200 vision. However, this determination is contingent on whether the visual acuity can be improved with corrective lenses. If wearing prescription glasses or contacts improves visual acuity from 20/200 to a better level, the individual may not be considered legally blind.
Addressing the question of whether 20/80 vision qualifies as legally blind, it's essential to recognize that the definition of legal blindness may vary among countries. While many countries agree on the overall definition, specific laws regarding the minimum visual acuity required for activities such as driving can differ. Some countries may set the threshold at 20/80 for obtaining a driver's license, but this doesn't necessarily mean the individual is legally blind in all contexts.
In conclusion, legal blindness is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond complete vision loss. Understanding the intricacies of visual acuity, testing methods, and the impact on daily life is crucial for individuals and professionals alike. If you have further questions about your visual acuity or prescription, consulting with an optician or eye doctor is recommended for personalized guidance.
