The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 12 million Americans 40 years and older have some form of vision impairment, including 1 million people with blindness. According to the CDC, vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults 18 years and older, causing a considerable social and economic toll for millions of people. This includes significant disability, loss of productivity, and decreased quality of life.
In the United States, legal blindness is defined not by complete sight loss. Instead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a set of criteria to establish eligibility for various services and benefits. Understanding what constitutes legal blindness and the resources available to those affected is critical for anyone navigating the complexities of visual impairment. This article will explain what legal blindness means, how it’s determined, and the disability benefits available to individuals who are considered legally blind.
What constitutes legal blindness?
Legal blindness is a specific designation used to identify individuals whose vision is severely impaired to the point where they require assistance, accommodations, or services. The SSA defines legal blindness in two main ways: visual acuity and visual field. Visual acuity refers to the sharpness or clarity of vision. Under this definition, a person is considered legally blind if the best-corrected vision in their better eye is 20/200 or worse. A measurement of 20/200 means that what a person with normal vision can see from 200 feet away, a person with 20/200 vision can only see from 20 feet away. Even with corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, if a person’s vision does not improve beyond this level, they may be classified as legally blind.
Another aspect of legal blindness is the field of vision or the total area that a person can see without moving their eyes. A person is considered legally blind if their field of vision is 20 degrees or less. This condition is sometimes referred to as “tunnel vision” because the individual’s peripheral vision is severely restricted.
While legal blindness is primarily determined by the inability to improve visual acuity beyond a certain threshold, it is important to note that legal blindness does not mean complete blindness. Many individuals who are legally blind still have some degree of usable vision. In fact, certain types of blindness, such as refractive errors (e.g., severe nearsightedness or farsightedness) can often be addressed with contacts or glasses. For example, several contact lens brands from trusted retailers can accommodate various refractive issues, from astigmatism to high myopia. In particular, Acuvue Oasys contacts are available in prescriptions as high as -12.00 diopters for nearsightedness and +8.00 diopters for farsightedness.
Meanwhile, advancements in eyewear technology have led to aspheric lenses, which are ideal for those with strong prescriptions. Aspheric lenses, such as those from ZEISS, have a flatter curve, resulting in less central thickness and minimal eye magnification even if you require a very high prescription. Ultimately, people who can improve their vision with corrective eyewear may still be considered legally blind if their visual impairment is significant enough to meet the SSA’s criteria.
Disability benefits for those who are legally blind
For individuals who are legally blind, there are several benefits available to assist with the financial, medical, and social challenges that accompany severe vision impairment. These benefits may come from federal, state, or private programs. As we covered in a previous post, you can apply for disability benefits on the day your doctor tells you that you have a disability or on the first day you can’t work because of it. For instance, legal blindness can make an individual eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if the condition prevents them from working or earning a substantial income. For SSDI, the SSA requires evidence that the person’s visual impairment meets the criteria for legal blindness, as outlined above.
Legally blind individuals may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a need-based program designed to help disabled or elderly individuals with limited financial resources. Aside from meeting the SSA’s criteria for legal blindness, your income level must not exceed $2,019 per month in order to qualify. Keep in mind that the SSA will also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.
Furthermore, it’s worthwhile to check for eligibility for benefits from state-specific programs, veterans benefits, and Medicare and Medicaid.
Living with legal blindness: Rights and resources
In addition to financial and medical support, legally blind individuals are entitled to certain protections under federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring that blind individuals have equal access to public spaces, employment opportunities, transportation, and other services. Most states also have their own laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of disability.
Moreover, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandates that federal agencies and programs provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities, including the legally blind. These accommodations might include accessible workstations, specialized training, or access to assistive technologies such as screen readers or magnification devices.
With the right resources and support, people living with legal blindness can lead fulfilling lives while navigating the challenges of visual impairment. If you found this article helpful, visit the Chalif Law website to stay informed about the latest legal developments.