Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific, measurable level of severe visual impairment defined by law: "Legal blindness" is a medical and legal term used to describe a degree of vision loss that meets a statutory definition, typically for determining eligibility for government assistance, benefits, or services. It is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with the best possible correction (e.g., glasses or contact lenses), or a visual field of 20 degrees or less (tunnel vision).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with legal blindness due to advanced glaucoma.
  • Certain tax benefits are available to individuals with legal blindness.
  • A person with legal blindness may still have some usable vision.

Advanced Usage

• Distinction from total blindness: It is important to understand that "legal blindness" is a functional definition for administrative purposes and does not necessarily mean a complete lack of sight. Many people who are legally blind retain some degree of vision.
• "To be declared legally blind": This phrase describes the official process of being certified as meeting the criteria for legal blindness.
  • After the accident, he was declared legally blind.

Variants and Related Words

• Legally blind (adjective phrase): Having the condition of legal blindness.
  • She is legally blind but uses a screen reader to use her computer.
• Visual impairment (noun): A broader term for any kind of vision loss, which may or may not meet the threshold for legal blindness.
• Low vision (noun): A term often used for significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected, which may include legal blindness.

Synonyms

• Statutory blindness: A formal synonym emphasizing the definition is set by law.
• Severe visual impairment: A descriptive, non-legal synonym.

Related Phrases

• Criteria for legal blindness: The specific measurements (visual acuity and visual field) used to define the condition.
• Certificate of legal blindness: An official document issued by a medical professional or agency.

Noun

1. vision that is 20/200 or worse in both eyes (20/200 vision is the ability to see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 200 feet)