Visual Impairment
Visual Impairment (pronunciation: /ˈvɪʒʊəl ɪmˈpeərmənt/) is a term used to describe a decrease in the ability to see to a certain degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses or medication.
Etymology
The term "Visual Impairment" is derived from the Latin words "visus" meaning "sight" and "impedire" meaning "to hinder".
Definition
Visual Impairment is a decreased ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses. Some also include those who have a decreased ability to see because they do not have access to glasses or contact lenses. The term blindness is used for complete or nearly complete vision loss.
Types of Visual Impairment
There are several types of visual impairment, including but not limited to:
- Blindness: Complete or nearly complete vision loss.
- Low Vision: A severe reduction in vision that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses and reduces a person's ability to function at certain or all tasks.
- Color Blindness: Inability or decreased ability to see color, or perceive color differences, under normal lighting conditions.
Causes
Visual impairment can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Eye Diseases: Such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy.
- Genetic Disorders: Such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Albinism.
- Injury: Damage to the eye or brain can cause visual impairment.
- Aging: The risk of visual impairment increases with age.
Related Terms
- Visual Acuity: The sharpness of vision, usually measured with the use of a Snellen chart.
- Visual Field: The total area in which objects can be seen in the peripheral vision while the eye is focused on a central point.
- Visual Perception: The ability to interpret the surrounding environment by processing information contained in visible light.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Visual Impairment
- Wikipedia's article - Visual Impairment
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