Types of Visual Impairment

Types of Visual Impairment

Visual impairment can take different forms depending on the underlying condition. The most common include:

  • Loss of central vision — often caused by maculopathy.
  • Reduced peripheral vision (“tunnel vision”) — linked to glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa.
  • Blurred or patchy vision (“multiple scotomas”) — associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Beyond these well-known categories, additional forms of low vision may occur on their own or in combination:

  • Reduced contrast sensitivity
  • Impaired colour perception
  • Photosensitivity and glare
Comparison of a scene seen with normal vision and with macular degeneration
Street scene as seen with normal vision, early glaucoma, advanced glaucoma and extreme glaucoma
A child photographed with normal vision and with blurred vision