How is legally blind defined?

How is legally blind defined?

• A. Visual acuity of 20/100 or worse
• B. Visual acuity of 20/200 that can't be improved
• C. Complete absence of vision
• D. Vision impaired only in one eye

Answer: (B)

The definition of legally blind is primarily focused on visual acuity and is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, with correction—meaning standard corrective lenses cannot improve this level of vision. When this level of vision is reached or the field of vision is severely restricted, a person is classified as legally blind. The significance of this classification is important as it determines eligibility for various support services and benefits. In this context, the other options misrepresent the criteria for legal blindness. While a visual acuity of 20/100 is certainly a significant impairment, it does not meet the threshold for legal blindness, which is specifically 20/200 or worse. Additionally, complete absence of vision and vision impairment in only one eye do not capture the necessary criteria of visual acuity and the potential for correction, thereby clarifying why the correct answer emphasizes the threshold of 20/200 that cannot be improved.

The definition of legally blind is primarily focused on visual acuity and is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, with correction—meaning standard corrective lenses cannot improve this level of vision. When this level of vision is reached or the field of vision is severely restricted, a person is classified as legally blind.

The significance of this classification is important as it determines eligibility for various support services and benefits. In this context, the other options misrepresent the criteria for legal blindness. While a visual acuity of 20/100 is certainly a significant impairment, it does not meet the threshold for legal blindness, which is specifically 20/200 or worse. Additionally, complete absence of vision and vision impairment in only one eye do not capture the necessary criteria of visual acuity and the potential for correction, thereby clarifying why the correct answer emphasizes the threshold of 20/200 that cannot be improved.