Question 1

what is legal blindness?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Legal blindness has several definitions with some variation depending upon the state and the agency in question.  Generally a corrected vision of 20/200 or less is legal blindness such as for income tax purposes.  Generally a field of vision of less than 10 degrees is legal blindness.  All these definitions are bilateral - a blind eye next to a normal eye is not legal blindness.

Question 2

is there any upsides to legal blindness?

Accepted Answer

A few: If you are legally blind you will develop your other senses better.  You will make different and sometimes interesting friends and most will appreciate your personality and wit.  You will save money on eyeglasses and contact lenses.  You will be eligible for tax discounts, public accomodations, and assistance for the handicapped.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: legal blindness?

Accepted Answer

See below.: This is a legal, not medical, term.  

A typical definition is visual acuity that is 20/200 or less in the best eye that has the best possible glasses or contact lens prescription in place, and/or constriction of the visual field to less than 10 degrees from centration in both eyes.

Note that the defintion requires that glasses or contact lenses be used when the vision is tested.

Question 4

are there any side effects or risks to treatment of legal blindness?

Accepted Answer

Broad question: There are several treatments for legal blindness dependent on the cause. If it is due to corneal disease, then risks are low. If due to retinal etiology then current treatments have a higher risk. If due to a central etiology (brain) then treatments at this time are limited with low yield. Can you be specific of the cause of the legal blindness? Current clinical trials that may help you are availa.

Question 5

could contacts cause you to become more blind?

Accepted Answer

No: You are asking if contact wear can increase the power needs of the eye.  They do not have this effect.  You can wear them without this concern.

Question 6

what could cause someone to go  blind for 10-20 minutes and then be back to normal?

Accepted Answer

Lots of reasons: Including ocular migraine, optic disc drusen, papilledema, impending retinal vascular occlusion, giant cell arteritis, etc. You must see an eye doctor for a dilated retinal exam.

Question 7

what drugs can cause blindness from overdosing?

Accepted Answer

Some are illicit: Methanol can cause blindness, and anti-tb drugs like Ethambutol & rifampin. Steroids can cause glaucoma, antimalarials like Hydroxychloroquine can damage the macula. Talc retinopathy can occur with intravenous drug use. Direct retinal toxicity can occur from injected gentamicin. The precautionary principle demands withdrawal of potentially toxic drugs once diminished visual function is documented.

Question 8

what are the most common causes of temporary blindness?

Accepted Answer

Temp. blindness: High intensity light, or Hysterical blindness.

Question 9

which sort of disease or condition might cause blindness?

Accepted Answer

Many: There are many diseases that can cause blindness.  The most common are diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Question 10

what diseases may cause permanent, irreversible blindness?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Top causes of permanent, irreversible blindness in the us  include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Other causes in other parts of the world include infections, like trachoma. The american academy of ophthalmology recommends routine eye exams starting at age 40 in part to detect any of the above diseases before vision loss is permanent.

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Cause of legal blindness

A member asked:

What is legal blindness?

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Is there any upsides to legal blindness?

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What is the definition or description of: legal blindness?

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Are there any side effects or risks to treatment of legal blindness?

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Could contacts cause you to become more blind?

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What could cause someone to go blind for 10-20 minutes and then be back to normal?

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What drugs can cause blindness from overdosing?

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What are the most common causes of temporary blindness?

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Which sort of disease or condition might cause blindness?

A member asked:

What diseases may cause permanent, irreversible blindness?

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