How do legally blind people see

AMD occurs when the central portion of the retina known as the macula deteriorates. The macula is responsible for the sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading and driving. Cataracts - by the age of 80, more than half of all Americans have had a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens that blurs vision. Cataracts can result from genetic disorders or even diabetes and trauma to the eye.

Diabetic retinopathy - a diabetic eye disease affecting an estimated 4 million American adults over the age of It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina tissue in the back of the eye. You can also check out this low vision directory to find such resources in your area.

They are typically familiar with the latest low vision aids capable of significantly assisting low-vision persons in living a better life.

Previous Next. View Larger Image. Helpful Resources for Legally Blind. Legal Blindness Due to Visual Field Restriction Some people are able to see considerably small letters on an eye chart, but fail to see a person standing next to them, all because of poor peripheral vision. What Causes Legal Blindness? Diabetic Retinopathy. While only 18 percent of people with significant visual impairments are actually totally blind, most can at least perceive light.

In other words, although we cannot see colors, shapes or people, we can still tell the difference between light and dark. You are probably wondering what light perception is exactly. Many of us can also tell when lights are on or off in a particular room.

The number of people with no light perception is unknown, but it is estimated to be less than 10 percent of totally blind individuals. Some people with no light perception still report seeing flashes of light, however.

Damon Rose is a disability reporter for the BBC who has been totally blind since childhood. Although he has no light perception, he often gets flashes of light and color. In fact, in this personal account of his blindness, he says that what he misses the most of being able to see is darkness.