Visual Impairment Types & Characteristics: It’s a Spectrum

When talking about the different types of visual impairment and various visual impairment characteristics, did you know that it exists on a spectrum? While many different types of visual impairment can be corrected with glasses and other corrective lenses, some, such as blindness, can’t be corrected. But even things like blindness exist on a spectrum.

A number of eye diseases, both genetic and due to injury or illness, as well as birth defects, can lead to different types of visual impairment. It’s important to understand the different characteristics of visual impairment, so we can intervene and correct where appropriate and provide the proper level of accommodation for those affected.

Some types of visual impairment are preventable with early intervention and regular eye care. That’s why it’s important to establish regular eye exams with our seasoned optometrist in Nashville. Whether you’re dealing with current impairment or not, we’d love to be your one-stop shop for all your eye care needs at our Nashville Eye Doctor. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today!

A computer accommodation for one of the different types of visual impairment

Types of Visual Impairment

Various types of visual impairment impact vision differently, depending on the cause. For example, visual impairment from diseases like macular degeneration causes a person to have a narrowing peripheral field of vision. Other types of visual impairment cause the inability to tolerate light, double vision, or other visual distortions.

One of the most common types of visual impairment is blindness, but even that exists on a spectrum, with some experiencing low vision and others experiencing total blindness. Even in patients considered to harbor total blindness, there’s a spectrum of what the individual perceives. Some perceive differences in light and dark, while others can discern no visual information.

It’s important to understand these different types of visual impairment and the characteristics of visual impairment as it exists in each individual, so targeted therapies and assistive technologies can be offered. Moreover, it’s essential to understand that no singular solution will work the same for everyone experiencing visual impairment.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Though not all types of visual impairment can be prevented, some can, and that is why regular eye exams are an essential part of your overall healthcare routine. Like other areas of medicine and technology, eye care technology has dramatically advanced, including identifying, preventing, and treating different types of visual impairment. So whether you’ve been facing visual impairment since birth or want to maintain adequate eye health, it’s important to work with an eye doctor you trust.

There’s no better eye doctor in Nashville than the doctor at Music City Optical. They not only offer routine comprehensive eye exams and treatment for various diseases and vision problems, but they utilize the latest technology and medical advancements. Take charge of your health in 2023 and schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our top-rated Nashville eye doctor today.

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