It describes how people with low vision are tested and diagnosed.

Low vision is a visual acuity of 20/40 or worse while wearing corrective lenses.

A visual field of 180 degrees is considered normal.

Person looking at a Snellen chart

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A severely limited visual field sometimes is calledtunnel vision.

It makes it nearly impossible to drive safely.

The leading reasons: age-related conditions such ascataracts, glaucoma, andmacular degeneration.

What Is It Like to Be Legally Blind?

Most people who are legally blind have some vision.

Some people with legal blindness have a kind of tunnel vision.

It allows them to see directly in front of them but no more, with other visual fields dark.

Technology also is used to improve overall health, such as tracking weight loss and exercise.

Eligibility may vary for state and local programs.

Other resources, such as educational scholarships andguide dog programs, are available through nonprofits and support group connections.

A common test for visual acuity is theSnellen eye chart.

The line below the big E is the line for 20/100.

There are also tests that can measure in between 20/200 and 20/100.

Visual field testing often begins with aconfrontational visual field test.

An eye doctor has you cover one eye at a time.

It involves pressing a button when you see the light or images.

Treatments for legal blindness vary depending on the cause and the stage of the disease.

Summary

Most people who are legally blind have some vision.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists have several tests at their disposal to confirm a diagnosis.

Corrective lenses are different for each person, and measurements can be different for each eye.

The Social Security Administration does have benefits for people who are legally blind, provided certain criteria are met.

Yes, provided that your vision can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

If your eyesight cannot be corrected, you should not drive.

Lasiksurgery is appropriate for people whose visual acuity falls within a certain range.

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