Introduction
Vision is a daily necessity, training the sense to handle everyday activities, hobbies, and independent living. To the person with a refractive error, the impact of one or more of the numerous measures describing their vision can make all the difference. One of the most common queries is: Is -5.5 a prescription for legal blindness? This blog will work to explain what -5.5 vision is and in relation to the legal definition of blindness.
Understanding Legal Blindness
Legal blindness seems like a mouthful, but what is it? In the United States, a person is considered legal blind if his or her best-corrected visual acuity is 20/200 in the better eye. That is to say, a person must be able to be 20 feet away from something to see what a normal seeing person can see at 200 feet. Legal blindness can also be defined as the presence of a visual field of less than 20 degrees, which implies that there is an extreme limitation in the vision periphery.
Know this Classification
Knowing this classification matters to those who may be eligible for various benefits, such as disability assistance, vocational training, and special provisions. The legal definition seeks to give support to those whose vision compromises their daily lives.
How Vision is Measured
Measuring vision is done based on such measures as one’s visual acuity, with tools like the Snellen chart where letters of different sizes are presented. The common method of referencing the measurement of vision involves the use of fractions, for example 20/20 or 20/200.A person with 20/20 vision, can see clearly at a distance of 20 feet what a person with normal vision can also see at that distance. A person with 20/200 vision, would see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 200 feet.
A standard measurement like this one will be very useful when eye care professionals are describing corrective lenses or tracking a change in vision over time.
What Does -5.5 Vision Mean?
This prescription of -5.5 diopters would mean strong myopia or nearsightedness. Myopia is such that the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature. Because of this, one may perceive blurry images of distant objects, whereas close objects are clear and usually have no problem. Everyday activities for this range of -5.5 vision may become difficult in the evening when watching television or at night while driving because distance vision is required.
Still, what is more important to be said here is that it does not classify a person as legally blind. Most people having such a high degree of myopia can still see reasonably well and thus continue to lead a normal life, especially when corrective lenses are used.
Is -5.5 Legally Blind?
We need to compare -5.5 with legal blindness criteria for qualification. A diopter value of -5.5 indicates poor vision at distances, but not visual acuity of 20/200. While most individuals with -5.5 diopters may be able to achieve better than 20/40 visual acuity with corrective eyewear and function within their environments.
Consequently, a prescription of -5.5 does not meet the definition of legal blindness. Every case is unique; people need to consult with eye care professionals in order to know exactly what their vision will be and what their limitation of visions will be.
More detailed: What is Legally Blind: Definition, Prescription and More
Real Life Implications
For those with -5.5, implications can range from the ability to focus, read, or recognize a face clearly when sitting across from someone in a room. Fortunately, correctable options abound: prescription glasses, lenses, and refractive surgery like LASIK. In many cases, these treatments can greatly improve quality of life by bringing clearness to the vision.
Regular eye examinations help track changes in vision and ensure people have the best possible eyesight. Eye care professionals can guide individuals on what is appropriate as per the needs and conditions.
In the end
In summary, a prescription of -5.5 does not classify one as being legally blind. Although it does represent a significant amount of myopia, most patients who suffer from that degree of vision are able to lead active lives with corrective lenses. Knowing the subtleties of how vision is measured and what defines legal blindness can embolden individuals with vision problems to fight for proper care and support.
Note
Has it ever happened to you or someone around you to develop pathologic myopia? Share your experiences and observations below! Get a regular eye checkup- do not wait for someone telling you to visit an eye care professional if you have some concerns with your vision. An eye health self-management holds the first key to a clearer view to life
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