What Are the Causes of Legal Blindness?

Imagine navigating the world with only a small portion of your vision intact or struggling to make out details even with the strongest prescription lenses. This is the reality for millions of people living with legal blindness—a condition that, while different from total blindness, significantly impacts daily life.  

But what exactly does it mean to be legally blind? We’ve written a blog that provides more details about legal blindness here! To put it simply, legal blindness describes a profound level of vision impairment. 

Unlike total blindness, legal blindness is defined by having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better-seeing eye, even with corrective lenses, or a visual field restricted to 20 degrees or less. In simpler terms, someone who is legally blind sees at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 200 feet. 

Understanding the causes of legal blindness and recognizing its early symptoms are vital for taking action before your vision deteriorates further. Early intervention can sometimes slow or even prevent further loss of sight.  

In this blog, we will dive into the most common causes of legal blindness and guide you through the warning signs that could make all the difference in preserving your vision. 

Early Symptoms of Vision Loss 

Recognizing the early symptoms of vision loss is crucial for preserving your eye health. Some common signs include: 

• Difficulty seeing in low light 
  
  
• Blurry or distorted vision 
  
  
• Frequent squinting 
  
  
• Increased sensitivity to light 
  
  
• Reduction in peripheral vision, making activities like driving more challenging 
  
  
• Flashes of light, floating spots, or halos around lights 
  
  

While these symptoms may seem minor at first, they can signal the onset of more serious vision problems. Regular eye exams become especially important at this stage for maintaining your eye health. Even if you’re not experiencing noticeable symptoms, eye exams can detect eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration that often progress without early warning signs. 

By recognizing these issues early, you have the opportunity to explore treatments that may slow down or even prevent further vision loss. In short, routine eye exams are a simple but vital step in protecting your vision before it's too late. 

4 Common Causes of Legal Blindness 

Many eye conditions develop gradually, and by the time you notice vision loss, the damage may already be significant.  

Here are four common causes of legal blindness to be aware of:  

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss, especially in people over 50. It affects the macula, the part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.  

There are two types: dry AMD, which is the more common and progresses slowly as the macula thins over time, and wet AMD, where abnormal blood vessels form under the retina, leading to rapid vision loss.  

AMD can make it difficult for you to read, drive, or recognize faces, as your central vision becomes blurry or distorted. However, your peripheral vision often remains unaffected, allowing you to see things out of the corner of your eye. 

2. Glaucoma 

Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye. It often progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.  

Initially, glaucoma affects peripheral vision, but if left untreated, it can lead to total blindness. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma early, as treatments can slow the progression but cannot restore lost vision. 

3. Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with diabetes when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina.  

In the early stages, it may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the condition worsens, blood vessels can leak or swell, leading to vision problems such as blurry vision, floaters, or dark areas in the visual field.  

Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or legal blindness. Managing blood sugar levels and regular eye exams are critical for preventing or slowing the progression of this condition. 

4. Cataracts 

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. They are most often associated with aging but can also result from injury, certain medications, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.  

Cataracts typically develop slowly and may not initially impact vision, but as they progress, they can cause significant visual impairment, especially in low-light conditions. Fortunately, cataract surgery can often restore vision, making it one of the most treatable causes of vision loss. 

Safeguard Your Sight with Oxford Family Vision Care 

Protecting your vision starts with awareness and proactive care. Whether you're experiencing early symptoms of vision loss or simply want to maintain your eye health, regular eye exams are essential for detecting potential issues before they progress.  

At Oxford Family Vision Care, we are dedicated to helping you safeguard your sight through comprehensive eye care services tailored to your individual needs. From diagnosing common causes of legal blindness, such as AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, to offering personalized treatment plans, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

Don’t wait until vision problems disrupt your life—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward preserving your vision for years to come. 

Located in Oxford, Ohio, right by Miami University, Dr. Jeffrey Collins is here to help improve your vision and has been providing excellent vision care for families all over Butler County since 1989.   

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