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There are many forms of blindness, each with different causes, symptoms, and characteristics. However, they’re all housed under the umbrella term “legally blind.” For some people, this can mean many things, which is why the staff at Wing Eyecare in Cincinnati, OH, want to explain. By understanding legal blindness, you’ll be able to recognize any risk factors that may lead to the condition, as well as what to ask your eye doctor about this issue at your next visit.

What Does Legally Blind Mean?

eye doctorMost people know that 20/20 vision is the benchmark for healthy sight. This measure of visual acuity—the degree of sharpness and clarity one can see—is the standard for which glasses and contact lenses are prescribed, as well as how legal blindness is measured. As vision in an eye worsens, the second number in 20/20 grows larger, such as 20/70. To be considered legally blind, the United States Social Security Administration states that visual acuity must be 20/200 or worse. This includes when glasses or corrective lenses are worn.

The second part of the equation relates to the visual field, which is the total area a person can see without moving their eyes. If a person’s visual field is 20 degrees or less when wearing corrective lenses, such as with tunnel vision, they can also be considered legally blind. A person does not need to qualify in both areas to be considered legally blind. It’s important to speak with your eye doctor about legal blindness, or to tell them about any issues with acuity or your visual field. Addressing the problem early on may prevent further vision loss.

Whether you’re dealing with serious vision issues or just need an eye exam, an eye doctor at Wing Eyecare can help. They offer comprehensive services and are dedicated to helping clients maintain healthy vision. Call (888) 274-9464 today to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor and visit their website to learn more.

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