Blindness radically transforms daily life and raises questions about diagnosis, treatment and adapting to this new reality. With clear, jargon-free explanations, discover in this article the medical and social pathway to vision loss, the challenges faced and the resources available for coping with blindness.
Key points
- Blindness includes a spectrum of visual impairments and is characterised by degraded visual acuity and visual field, seriously affecting independence and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
- The main causes of blindness are retinal diseases, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which are increasingly prevalent in the elderly and are expected to double in number over the next 25 years.
- Living with a visual impairment requires major personal and home adaptations, the use of technological aids and access to psychosocial and professional support to promote integration and maintain quality of life.
The basics about blindness
Blindness is much more than a simple absence of sight. It encompasses a spectrum of visual impairment ranging from severe vision loss to total blindness, where no light is perceived. According to the World Health Organisation, blindness is defined as total visual impairment, depriving people of the ability to move around unaided if they have not been trained to do so. This lack of light perception can also disrupt people's biological rhythms.
To understand blindness, we need to look at two key criteria: visual acuity and visual field. These parameters make it possible to classify the severity of visual impairment and adapt care accordingly. From peripheral vision to light perception, every aspect of vision plays a crucial role in the daily lives of visually impaired people.
Living with vision loss presents particular challenges. Everyday tasks become obstacles to overcome, requiring specific adaptations to maintain a degree of independence. The rest of this article will explore these adaptations in detail, and how people can live life to the full despite blindness.
Acuity and visual field: the key criteria
The criteria used by the WHO to classify visual impairment are visual acuity and visual field. In France, blindness is defined by a visual acuity of less than 1/20, which means that the person cannot read the letters on the Snellen chart at a distance of 20 feet. These criteria are used to determine the different categories of visual impairment, as defined below:
- Category I: poor vision
- Category II: partially sighted
- Category III: blindness
- Category IV: blindness
- Category V: totally blind.
Visual acuity measures the clarity of vision, while the visual field assesses the extent of the visible space. Lower visual acuity and a reduced visual field can seriously affect the ability to carry out everyday tasks. For example, limited peripheral vision makes it difficult to detect lateral obstacles, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.
The different stages of vision loss
The different stages of sight loss can be identified through progressive symptoms linked to vision loss. Here are a few examples:
- A scotoma represents an area of lost vision in the visual field, often due to the destruction of a specific part of the retina.
- Blurred or distorted vision may indicate damage to the retina or optic nerve.
- Reduced night vision may be a sign of retinal degeneration.
- Difficulty distinguishing colours may be caused by damage to the cells responsible for colour perception.
These symptoms may indicate the early stages of more serious conditions that can lead to complete blindness.
The World Health Organisation predicts that the number of visually impaired people will double in the next 25 years. This forecast underlines the growing importance of the management and prevention of eye diseases. Knowing the stages of vision loss means we can better anticipate the needs of those affected and put in place appropriate measures.
The main causes of blindness
The main causes of blindness are varied, ranging from retinal diseases and glaucoma to diabetic retinopathy and eye trauma. Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affect a significant proportion of the ageing population. Glaucoma, another common condition, damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
Diabetic retinopathy is a cause for concern in France, as it is the leading cause of blindness in people under 65. This underlines the importance of monitoring and treating diabetes to prevent this complication. Hyperglycaemia weakens the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to burst and new, less efficient vessels to form. Complications include retinal tears and increased risk of retinal detachment, which can lead to complete blindness.
Degenerative diseases and age
The incidence of blindness increases significantly from the age of 60. The majority of people suffering from visual impairment and blindness are over 50, illustrating the impact of ageing on vision. In high-income countries, diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as age-related macular degeneration, are major causes of vision loss.
These degenerative diseases progressively affect the retina or optic nerve, leading to a reduction in visual acuity and a narrowing of the visual field. Early detection and treatment of these conditions are essential to preserve vision and improve the quality of life of the elderly.
Trauma and other external factors
Ocular trauma, whether due to accidents or surgical complications, can lead to irreversible vision loss. For example, an orbital haematoma resulting from an operation can cause serious damage to the eyes, including diplopia or total loss of vision in the affected eye.
These incidents underline the importance of prevention and proper management of eye trauma. The consequences of trauma or surgical complications can be extremely severe, making access to quality eye care crucial to minimise the risk of blindness.
Living with visual impairment
Living with a visual impairment requires considerable adaptations to everyday life. Natural light is beneficial for visually impaired people because it reduces shadows and improves visibility. Installations such as variable intensity lamps and directional spotlights create a safer and more comfortable environment.
The day-to-day challenges of sight loss profoundly affect people's independence. Personal care and activities of daily living become major obstacles, often requiring the help of carers to overcome them. This loss of independence can lead to economic difficulties, health problems and disruption to family dynamics.
Home adaptations
To make life easier for visually impaired people, it is crucial to make adaptations to the home. For example, installing contrast strips on doors and along corridors helps them to detect these features more easily. Keeping the interior tidy is also essential to prevent falls and make it easier to get around.
In addition, the use of tactile markers or Braille labels helps visually impaired people to navigate their living space more safely. Good lighting, with bright bulbs, is also recommended to ensure optimum visibility.
Technological aids and accessibility
Technological aids play a crucial role in improving the independence of visually impaired people. The Braille alphabet, for example, makes it possible to read and write by recognising letters, numbers and signs through touch. Optical aids such as adapted lenses and magnifiers make everyday activities easier.
Hearing aids, such as talking key rings or voice clocks, provide essential information. Navigation devices such as audio beacons and talking reading machines improve orientation and reading. Training in these new technologies is essential to ensure the independence and social inclusion of visually impaired people.
Diagnosis and medical care
Diagnosing and treating blindness involves specialised examinations and appropriate treatments. Healthcare professionals use a range of scientific techniques to diagnose blindness and assess the severity of vision loss. Some symptoms require urgent treatment to avoid irreversible blindness.
Treatments vary according to the degree of vision loss, ranging from prescription glasses or contact lenses to surgery. For example, cataracts and glaucoma can be treated medically to maintain satisfactory visual acuity, while a corneal transplant may be necessary in some cases.
Ophthalmological consultation
During an ophthalmological consultation, a precise diagnosis is made thanks to a series of specialised tests. The ophthalmologist takes the time needed to assess the state of vision and identify the potential causes of vision loss.
An erroneous diagnosis may result from an incorrect interpretation of symptoms or from inadequate examinations. It is therefore crucial to consult qualified professionals and follow the recommendations for appropriate treatment.
Treatment options
The treatment options available vary according to the form and severity of blindness. Some forms cannot be cured, but the majority of cases of blindness could be prevented or treated with available therapies. For example, only 36% of people with visual impairment linked to refractive errors have access to appropriate glasses, and only 17% to high-quality cataract surgery.
Scientific research continues to develop new therapies for blindness, such as the use of chronobiotics for hypernycthemeral syndrome. These advances offer a summary of new prospects for improving the quality of life of visually impaired people.
Psychosocial impact of blindness
Blindness has significant psychosocial impacts, increasing rates of depression and anxiety in affected individuals. Vision loss can also accelerate the progression of cognitive impairment, affecting mental health and social integration.
Visually impaired individuals experience a range of emotions and challenges that can affect their mental health and quality of life. Psychological and social support is therefore essential to help people overcome these obstacles and maintain a balanced life.
Psychological support and self-help groups
Psychologists play a crucial role in helping visually impaired people to express their fears and adapt to their vision loss. Social workers are also on hand to help with day-to-day management and the challenges associated with visual impairment.
Psychological support, including therapy and counselling, is essential to help people overcome the emotional burden of vision loss. Support networks and self-help groups provide emotional support and a sense of belonging to a community.
Inclusion and adapted activities
The social and professional inclusion of visually impaired people is vital to their development. Organisations are working to ensure
- access to education
- technology
- employment
- leisure activities
Awareness-raising initiatives are undertaken to promote integration and ensure equal rights.
Adapted leisure programmes and educational support are offered to visually impaired children to encourage their development from an early age. These initiatives are essential to ensure full citizenship and active participation in society.
In a nutshell
Blindness, although extremely challenging, is not an end in itself. Understanding its different forms, its causes and how to adapt will enable us to better support those affected. Technological and medical advances offer new possibilities for improving their quality of life. With the right support and appropriate adaptations, visually impaired people can lead independent, fulfilling lives. Let's continue to raise awareness and innovate for an inclusive and accessible future.
Frequently asked questions
What does the WHO define as blindness?
According to the WHO, blindness is defined as total visual impairment, depriving individuals of the ability to move about unaided.
What are the main causes of blindness in France?
The main causes of blindness in France include retinal diseases, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It is therefore essential to raise public awareness of these diseases in order to prevent blindness.
How can homes be adapted for visually impaired people?
Installing contrast strips, keeping the interior tidy and using tactile markers are recommended when adapting homes for the visually impaired. These adjustments can greatly improve navigation and safety for visually impaired people.
What technological aids are available for visually impaired people?
Various technological aids are available for visually impaired people, such as Braille, optical aids, hearing aids and navigation devices. These tools can greatly improve the quality of life of visually impaired people.
What are the psychosocial impacts of blindness?
Blindness can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety and progressive cognitive impairment, all of which have a significant psychosocial impact on the individuals concerned.
