Disabling effects of Visual Impairment

Background

Vision is used in the completion of almost all daily activities. Thus when a person becomes visually impaired suddenly, there are likely to be extensive care and mobility needs. Loss of vision in this way will require a period of training, adaptation and the learning of new skill. During this period the person is likely to require help from another person several times a day with a range of activities. Even with sudden loss of vision, there would not necessarily be any night needs. If for example, a person needs to use the toilet, it should be possible either to get to the toilet unaided, or to use a bottle or bedside commode.

This period of training and adjustment usually lasts for about two years. However, the time taken by an individual person may vary. It should be noted that some people with sudden loss of vision may not receive the necessary training to enable them to adapt. Even with adaptation and training, many people may continue to require help with household tasks.

When the onset of visual impairment has been gradual rather than sudden, most people make progressive adjustments over a period of time. Consequently the care needs are unlikely to exceed those of a person who has had a sudden loss of vision and been able to make the necessary adaptations to this. However, it should also be recognised that the majority of such people lose their sight when they are older. In some of these, this progressive adjustment actually means a progressive restriction of activities, which they are no longer confident or capable of undertaking on their own. A consideration has to be made on whether it is reasonable to expect them to neglect such activities, or whether they should really have assistance from another person.

Sudden changes in circumstances, for example, a change of home, with unfamiliar surroundings, may have an effect on the independence of a visually impaired person; in effect the person may have to start the adaptation process all over again.

• Effects of different visual loss
• Vision and driving
• Visual acuity conversion chart (40KB)
• Visual acuity conversion tool (19KB)

Amended April 2011