visual impairment
Diminished seeing ability
Visual impairment is any condition that limits the ability to see, ranging from partial sight loss to total blindness.
The term covers problems that glasses or contacts cannot fully correct: students with visual impairments may need large-print materials.
It's the preferred clinical and legal term, replacing older expressions like "partially sighted" in formal contexts.
Blurry distance vision
- hyperopiaDifficulty seeing nearby objects
- astigmatismIrregular corneal curvature disorder
- presbyopiaAge-related near vision loss
- glaucomaPressure damages optic nerve
cataract · macular degeneration · retinopathy · amblyopia · strabismus · nystagmus · diplopia · scotoma
Program converting text to audio
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- audio descriptionSpoken explanation of visuals
- voiceoverOff-screen recorded speech
- high contrastStrong tonal difference
alt text · closed captioning · assistive technology · accessible design · universal design · large print · talking books · white cane
Impaired but present vision
- tunnel visionInability to see periphery
- peripheral vision lossInability to see sideways
- blurred visionUnclear visual perception
- light sensitivityAdverse reaction to brightness
photophobia · depth perception · night blindness · distorted vision · floaters · eye fatigue · adaptation · spatial awareness
Small circular marks
- cellsBasic biological units
- embossedHaving raised design
- contractionsShortened word forms
- literacyAbility to read, write
Eye disease physician
- optometristVision care professional
- orientation trainingIntroductory instruction for newcomers
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- eye examinationAssessment of sight health
social services · disability services · advocacy · peer support · special education
myopia
Blurry distance vision
- hyperopiaDifficulty seeing nearby objects
- astigmatismIrregular corneal curvature disorder
- presbyopiaAge-related near vision loss
glaucoma · cataract · macular degeneration · retinopathy · amblyopia · strabismus · nystagmus · diplopia · scotoma · hemianopia
screen reader
Program converting text to audio
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- audio descriptionSpoken explanation of visuals
- voiceoverOff-screen recorded speech
high contrast · alt text · closed captioning · assistive technology · accessible design · universal design · large print · talking books · white cane · guide dog
partial sight
Impaired but present vision
- tunnel visionInability to see periphery
- peripheral vision lossInability to see sideways
- blurred visionUnclear visual perception
light sensitivity · photophobia · depth perception · night blindness · distorted vision · floaters · eye fatigue · adaptation · spatial awareness
dots
Small circular marks
- cellsBasic biological units
- embossedHaving raised design
- contractionsShortened word forms
ophthalmologist
Eye disease physician
- optometristVision care professional
- orientation trainingIntroductory instruction for newcomers
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
eye examination · social services · disability services · advocacy · peer support · special education
- visionsharp, eye, sight, eyes, blurry
- accessibilitywheelchair access, wheelchair sports, wheelchair ramp, adaptive skiing, accessibility features
- blindnessblindness, blind spot, total blindness, partial blindness, legal blindness
- vision problemsblindness, blurry vision, vision loss, sight loss, myopia
- disabilitydisability rights, disability culture, disability activism, disability services, disability identity
- blind serviceswhite cane, Louis Braille, guide dog, guide dogs, braille alphabet
visual impairmentperfect vision
Optimal visual acuity
normal vision · 20/20 vision · clear sight · visual acuity · keen eyesight
visual, impaired, impairment, visually, optometry, visually impaired, low vision, vision impairment