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Correct Answer: vision in the seeing eye of less than 20/40
low vision is a term used to describe a level of vision that is significantly below normal but is not total blindness. this condition can be better understood through the following explanation:
in the united states, the term "low vision" is typically defined as having vision in the seeing eye that is less than 20/40. this means that what a person with normal vision can see from 40 feet away, a person with low vision can only see clearly from 20 feet away. it's important to note that this definition specifically refers to the best-corrected visual acuity in the better-seeing eye. even with the best possible glasses or contact lenses, if the vision is not better than 20/40, it is considered low vision.
low vision differs from blindness. according to the world health organization (who), blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of less than 6/120 (or less than 20/400 using the snellen scale), indicating a severe lack of vision. in the u.s., legal blindness is defined slightly differently, as having a visual acuity of less than 6/60 (or 20/200 on the snellen scale). this is a more severe visual impairment compared to low vision.
individuals with low vision can benefit significantly from visual enhancement aids and devices such as magnifiers, specialized glasses, high-contrast and large-print reading materials, and assistive technology like screen readers. these tools do not restore vision to normal levels but can help maximize the remaining vision, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks more effectively and maintain their independence.
it's critical to differentiate between complete blindness and low vision for clinical, legal, and rehabilitative purposes. proper classification helps in providing appropriate resources and support, ensuring that individuals receive the right kind of aid for their specific level of vision impairment.
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