What does "Visual Impairment" mean?
Table of Contents
Visual impairment refers to problems with vision that cannot be fixed with regular glasses or contact lenses. This can include difficulty seeing things clearly or completely losing sight.
Causes
There are many reasons why someone might have visual impairment. Some common causes include:
- Cataracts: A clouding of the lens in the eye, which can lead to blurry vision.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the eye caused by diabetes, which can affect vision over time.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration: A condition that affects the center of the retina and can make it hard to see fine details.
Impact
Visual impairment can greatly affect a person's daily life, particularly for older adults. It can lead to struggles with activities like reading, driving, or even walking safely. This, in turn, can increase the risk of falls and other injuries.
Prevalence
Surveys show that the rates of visual impairment can vary between areas and over time. In some places, measures to improve eye health, like community programs for cataract surgeries, have helped lower the number of people with serious vision problems.
Importance of Eye Care
Regular eye check-ups are important, especially for older adults, to catch issues early and prevent further loss of vision. Addressing visual impairment through proper care and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of related injuries.