Definition and Classification of Low Vision

Definition and Classification of Low Vision

Definition and Classification of Low Vision

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Definition of Low Vision - Seeing the Unseen

  • WHO Definition: A person with low vision has an impairment of visual functioning even after treatment and/or standard refractive correction, and has:
    • Visual Acuity (VA): Less than 6/18 down to 3/60 (or Light Perception - PL) in the better eye with best possible correction.
    • Visual Field (VF): Less than 20 degrees from the point of fixation in the better eye.
  • Functional Definition:
    • Vision that is insufficient to perform tasks requiring sight, but where some usable vision remains.
    • Impairs ability to perform daily activities (e.g., reading, writing, mobility, recognizing faces).
  • Core Concepts:
    • Condition is typically irreversible.
    • Distinct from total blindness; individuals often retain some degree of sight (residual vision).
    • Focus is on maximizing the use of this residual vision through low vision aids and rehabilitation strategies.
    • Goal: Enhance independence and quality of life.

Normal vs. Constricted Visual Field Diagram

High-Yield: Low vision is defined based on the better eye's vision with best possible correction. This includes both visual acuity and visual field criteria as per WHO guidelines.

Classification of Low Vision - Grading the Gaze

  • WHO Definitions (Best Corrected Visual Acuity - BCVA in better eye):

    • Low Vision:
      • VA: < 6/18 to 3/60 (or Counting Fingers at 3m)
      • OR Visual field: < 20° (but ≥ 10°) around central fixation.
      • Includes WHO Visual Impairment Categories:
        • Category 1: VA < 6/18 to 6/60
        • Category 2: VA < 6/60 to 3/60
    • Blindness:
      • VA: < 3/60 (or Counting Fingers < 3m) to No Perception of Light (NPL)
      • OR Visual field: < 10° around central fixation.
      • Includes WHO Visual Impairment Categories:
        • Category 3: VA < 3/60 to 1/60 (Hand Movements - HM)
        • Category 4: VA < 1/60 to Perception of Light (PL)
        • Category 5: No Perception of Light (NPL)
  • Indian Definitions (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016):

    • Low Vision:
      • VA: < 6/18 to 3/60 (or < 20/60 to 10/200 Snellen)
      • Visual Field: Limitation of field < 40° up to 10°.
    • Blindness:
      • Total absence of sight; OR
      • VA: ≤ 3/60 (or ≤ 10/200 Snellen) with best correction; OR
      • Visual Field: Limitation of field ≤ 10°.

Exam Favourite: Under the Indian RPWD Act 2016, "Blindness" is defined by VA ≤ 3/60 (or equivalent) OR a visual field limitation of ≤ 10°. This is a key threshold for benefits and certification.

בוצע בהצלחה

Functional Implications - Living with Limits

  • Difficulty with tasks requiring detailed vision:
    • Reading print (books, labels), writing legibly.
    • Recognizing faces, interpreting social cues.
  • Challenges in orientation & mobility:
    • Navigating unfamiliar environments, stairs, kerbs.
    • ↑Risk of falls, especially in older adults.
  • Impact on daily living:
    • Meal preparation, personal grooming, managing medications.
    • Using phone, watching TV, shopping.
  • Psychosocial effects: ↓independence, social withdrawal, depression. Elderly man using a magnifier for reading with low vision

⭐ Central field loss (e.g., AMD) impairs reading/faces; peripheral loss (e.g., glaucoma, RP) affects mobility ("tunnel vision").

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Low Vision (WHO): BCVA < 6/18 to LP; or visual field < 10° from fixation.
  • Blindness (WHO): BCVA < 3/60 to NLP; or visual field < from fixation.
  • Functional Vision: Practical ability to use vision for daily tasks.
  • LVAs: Enhance vision via magnification and improved contrast.
  • Rehabilitation: Maximizes residual vision use; improves overall QoL.
  • WHO VI Categories: Moderate VI (<6/18-6/60), Severe VI (<6/60-3/60), Blindness (<3/60-NLP).

Practice Questions: Definition and Classification of Low Vision

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What does a visual acuity test primarily assess?

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Flashcards: Definition and Classification of Low Vision

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Central scotoma, Paracentral scotoma and temporal field defects can be tested by _____ocular visual field testing.

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Central scotoma, Paracentral scotoma and temporal field defects can be tested by _____ocular visual field testing.

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