What is Vision Impairment?

Vision Impairment, also known as Visual Impairment,

refers to a loss of vision or the decreased ability to see.
It is also considered as an abnormal level of eyesight
and is primarily measured based on an individual’s
better eye acuity. The impairment also persists even
with the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication,
or surgery.
What are the causes of Visual Impairment?
The leading causes of visual impairment on a global
scale are:
1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
2. Cataract

3. Diabetic retinopathy

4. Glaucoma- can be due to high blood pressure within the eye

Uncorrected refractive errors

5. Eye injuries/ cancers
6. German measles
7. Viral infections caused by Cytomegalovirus (E.g. HIV/AIDS,
hepatitis)
8. Trachoma
9. Inherited Conditions (Colour blindness, Glaucoma)
Amblyopia, or the lack of use of the eye during childhood
What are some Characteristics of Visual
Impairment?
a. Children

Children whose vision cannot be corrected with glasses or

contacts may have visual impairment, resulting in partial or
complete loss of vision. As such, characteristics of visual
impairment in children should be understood and the causes
and symptoms of this manifestation known. Some symptoms
include:

1. Bumping into objects or things often.

2. Sitting very close to the television screen.
3. Having difficulty reading or participating in class/
4. Not being able to see objects from a distance
(White/blackboard usually the first notable).
5. Squinting often, rubbing eyes, having red eyes, sensitivity
to light.
6. Complaining about difficulty seeing things.
b. Adults
Symptoms of visual impairment in adults vary and differ from
those seen in children. Adult-onset visual impairment usually
begins slowly, so regular testing is very important; Especially
for those suffering from certain diseases/conditions such as
hypertension or diabetes.
Some symptoms seen in adults include:

1. Dry eyes, itching and burning

2. Difficulty seeing objects in peripheries
3. Blurred vision
4. Double Vision
5. Trouble adjusting to dark rooms
6. Frequent headaches from eye strain
7. Visual distortion, such as blind spots or halos around
light.
Is there Any Way to Prevent Visual Impairment?

The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 80% of

visual impairment cases worldwide are avoidable. Refractive
error can be corrected with glasses (or contact lenses) and
there are certain surgical procedures which can restore vision
(e.g in cataracts). You can reduce your risk of developing a
visual impairment by not smoking, and, if you are diabetic,
follow your doctor’s advice to monitor the condition.

Regular eye checks are recommended to spot the signs of

visual impairment early on, particularly in older age.
What are some ways to protect your eyes?
Your eyes are an important part of your health thus it is
important to protect them by:

1. Having periodic eye exams (every 2-3 years for healthy

patients under 50, yearly for patients over 50 or those with
known health factors.
2. Following a healthy lifestyle
3. Eating a nutritious diet for eyesight
4. Wearing durable eye protection when involved in activities
that could cause traumatic risk to your vision, such as
sports, dealing with firearms, playing paintball, doing
occupations which involves hammering, cutting, sawing,
drilling, or working overhead, etc…
5. Avoiding hazards such as fireworks.
6. Avoid using harsh chemicals like drain cleaners.
7. Getting sufficient vitamins and dietary nutrients.
What is the treatment for visual impairment?
Treatment for visual impairment depends on the type of
impairment itself. For example, refractive error can be
corrected with glasses or the use of contact lenses while
glaucoma requires glaucoma surgery.

Visual Impairments may also be treated through optical aids,

medication, or surgical procedures such as laser eye surgery or
glaucoma surgery.