A visually impaired person refers to an individual who experiences partial or complete loss of vision, limiting their ability to perceive and interpret visual information. It is a broad term encompassing a range of visual impairments, from mild to severe, that affect the visual system, including the eyes, optic nerves, or visual processing centers in the brain.
A visually impaired person may have blurred vision, reduced visual acuity, limited peripheral vision, tunnel vision, or complete blindness. This condition can be congenital, resulting from genetic disorders or prenatal conditions, or acquired later in life due to eye diseases, injuries, or age-related degenerative conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
Individuals who are visually impaired often rely on alternative sensory modalities, such as tactile feedback, auditory information, or environmental cues, to navigate and interact with the world. They may use assistive devices like canes, guide dogs, magnifiers, or screen-reading software to enhance their independence and access to information. Additionally, specialized training and rehabilitation programs are available to aid visually impaired individuals in mastering daily activities, employment skills, and academic pursuits.
It is important to note that the term "visually impaired person" focuses on the visual aspect and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments, highlighting the need for inclusive support, accommodation, and recognition of their abilities.
