Understanding Degrees of Vision Loss

At Paul Thompson, OD, our team of skilled professionals has devoted themselves to your vision needs. For those of you who suffer from poor vision, several options may help, including specialized “smartglasses” — computerized eyeglasses that send information to the lenses, where the wearer can see it.
Vision loss differs in causes and in degree, generally falling into one of these four categories:

Legal blindness: If you're legally blind, your vision is 20/200 or less in one eye. It is a term used by the U.S. government to determine eligibility for vocational training, schooling and disability benefits.

Visual impairment: Also known as vision loss, it is a decreased ability to see clearly enough, and includes those whose vision cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses.

Low vision: Caused by eye disease, visual acuity is 20/70 or poorer — a condition that cannot be improved with the use of eyeglasses.

Blindness: Complete or almost total vision loss.

At Paul Thompson, OD, we strive to offer the highest quality of skilled eye care and innovative products, so that the visually impaired can have a normal life and accomplish everyday tasks without their vision restricting them. For more information on our office, give us a call today.

By Paul Thompson, OD

January 25, 2021