Visual impairment is any reduction in the function of the visual system that limits a person's ability to see or interpret visual information and cannot be fully corrected by ordinary spectacles. It is graded along a continuum from mild low vision to blindness and is defined clinically by deficits in visual acuity, …
Visual impairment is any reduction in the function of the visual system that limits a person's ability to see or interpret visual information and cannot be fully corrected by ordinary spectacles. It is graded along a continuum from mild low vision to blindness and is defined clinically by deficits in visual acuity, in the extent of the visual field, or in both. Causes include uncorrected refractive error, cataract, glaucoma, age-related and diabetic retinal disease, and neurological conditions affecting the visual pathways and cortex. Detection relies on structured assessment; perimetry, including frequency-doubling technology, is used to quantify visual-field abnormalities and to monitor their incidence over time, allowing early identification of progressive disease. The consequences of impaired vision extend well beyond the eye: research documents its substantial effect on quality of life among patients attending low-vision services, and its contribution to functional decline, falls and reduced independence, particularly in older adults, where modifiable factors such as vitamin D status and balance are also relevant. Environmental and sensory adaptations, including deliberate sensory cues within care settings, can mitigate disability. Because a large share of impairment is avoidable or treatable, emphasis falls on screening, timely correction and management of underlying disease, and rehabilitation that maximises remaining vision and supports participation in daily life.
6 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 6 articles above have been cited 44 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Visual Impairments, linking to each citing work.