Visual impairment

Visual impairment refers to loss of vision or the decreased ability to see at a ‘normal’
level. The risk of visual impairment increases with age, as many visual impairments are
connected to conditions occurring in old age.

The leading causes of visual impairment on a global scale are:

• Glaucoma
• Refractive error
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Trachoma
• Cataracts
• Corneal opacity

Symptoms depend on the cause of the specific impairment, however some signs that
may point to a visual impairment include:
• Seeing floating shapes across your vision, e.g webs or lines
• Seeing halos of light or flashes of light
• Changes in iris colour
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Sudden pain in the eye
• Recurrent pain in or around the eye
• Sudden change in vision
• Painful sensitivity to light

Visual impairments may also cause problems with everyday activities, for example you
may find that you bump into things more frequently, or you have trouble walking
downstairs/upstairs, or over uneven surfaces.
You may also find that reading becomes more difficult – you may notice that you have
to hold material closer to your face, or you find it difficult to read in low light.

Communication Tips:
1. Always let a person who is visually impaired know when you enter a room or join
a social setting. Address the person by name so that they know you are speaking to
them and do not walk away without letting them know that you are leaving.

2. Refrain from filling glasses and cups to the brim. This applies to bowls also.
3. Do speak directly to those who are blind or have low vision about what they want
or need. Do not address your questions to others accompanying them. For example, if
you are working in a restaurant do not ask the person sitting next to them what they
would like to order. Speak to them directly and in a normal voice.

4. If they extend their hands to shake, do so.

5. You should describe the surroundings and obstacles in a person's pathway. Be

sure to look up and down as well as ahead. Warn them of hazards such as kitchen
cupboards, overhangs, cars, trees and uneven surfaces.

6. Use ordinary language when giving directions. Be specific. Do not point or say
"over there". Direct those with visual impairment to their left or right, and not yours.

7. It is perfectly acceptable to use words such as "look" and "see". These are part of
everyone's common vocabulary.

8. Be sure to tell them what is going on. They may not see what is happening.

9. Do not relocate furniture or other objects without letting the visually impaired
person know that you have done so.

10. Do not leave doors slightly open as they can become a real hazard. Open or close
them completely.