Living with Limited Vision

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Could you give me the definition of low vision or visual impairment? My son has had two surgeries for diabetic retinopathy and is able to pass the eye chart test but still has blind spots and "angular" vision in one eye.

Answer:
Low vision and visual impairments are legally stipulated. That may vary from state to state. Typically visual acuity of 20/200 or less or visual field less than 20 degrees are required. There are many definitions of partial impairment that may affect central acuity (the eye chart) or visual field, as has happened to your son. In general the legal definitions apply to the patient as a whole and not to each eye, so that impairment in one eye with a normal fellow eye would not be considered impairment of the patient, unless there was substantial loss of visual field.

Answered by: Michael Repka, MD 

Categories: Eye Conditions, Children's Eye Health

Have a question that hasn't been answered yet? Ask it!