Common Visual ImpairmentsBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 13, 2025 A visual impairment is a loss of vision that cannot be fully corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses. This may result from a wide range of eye conditions, brain-based disorders, or trauma that affects the eye or visual pathways. Visual impairments vary widely in cause, severity, and impact—and no two individuals are affected in exactly the same way.
Each student with a visual impairment is unique. Even when students share the same diagnosis or visual acuity, their functional vision can differ significantly. Factors such as intellectual ability, rate of development, social competence, and access to educational opportunities all influence how a student uses their vision and adapts to visual challenges. Eye care professionals use a variety of diagnostic tools and procedures to assess eye health, structure, and function. As part of this evaluation, they consider both medical findings and the student’s history to determine the type and extent of the impairment. It’s important to note that eye reports can change over time—a diagnosis may be revised, removed, or clarified as a child grows or as more information becomes available. For this reason, keeping copies of past eye reports is essential. Reviewing a student’s history helps build a more complete understanding of their vision, informs educational planning, and supports continuity in recommended therapies and accommodations. Understanding specific eye conditions can help educators and caregivers plan appropriate accommodations and support for students with visual impairments. Below is a list of visual conditions, along with their characteristics and educational considerations. Visual DiagnosisAmblyopia(am-blee-OH-pee-uh)
Also known as “lazy eye,” amblyopia is a functional vision loss in one or both eyes without detectable damage to the eye’s anatomy. It often occurs when the brain suppresses input from one eye (often due to strabismus or a refractive imbalance) to avoid double vision.
Aniridia(an-uh-RID-ee-uh)
A congenital condition marked by incomplete formation of the iris. It may be associated with glaucoma, nystagmus, light sensitivity (photophobia), and low vision.
Anophthalmia(a·naaf·thal·mee·uh)
The absence of one or both eyeballs. A prosthetic eye may be worn for cosmetic purposes.
Aphakia(uh·faa·kee·uh)
The absence of the lens of the eye, usually due to cataract surgery.
Achromatopsia(ay-kroh-muh-TAHP-see-uh)
A rare congenital disorder involving partial or total absence of color vision due to cone cell malformation. Often accompanied by light sensitivity and vision loss.
Albinism(AL-bin-izm)
A congenital condition characterized by lack of pigment in the eyes, skin, and hair. It is commonly associated with photophobia, nystagmus, and reduced acuity.
Astigmatism(uh-STIG-muh-tiz-um)
A refractive error where the cornea is shaped more like a spoon than a sphere, causing blurred vision at all distances.
Blepharitis(bleh·fr·ai·tuhs)
Inflammation of the eyelids, often with crusting, irritation, and blurred vision.
Cataract(KAT-uh-rakt)
Clouding of the eye’s lens, which obstructs light from reaching the retina.
Coloboma(kah-luh-BOH-muh)
A congenital cleft or gap in one or more structures of the eye (e.g., iris, retina, optic nerve).
Color BlindnessThe inability to distinguish between certain colors, most commonly red and green.
Glaucoma(glaw-KOH-muh)
Increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve and leads to peripheral vision loss.
Hemianopsia(heh·mee·uh·naap·see·uh)
Loss of half the visual field in one or both eyes, typically due to brain injury or pressure from a tumor.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)(hi-pur-OH-pee-uh)
A refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than close ones, due to an underpowered eye.
Keratoconus(keh·ruh·tow·kow·nuhs)
A progressive thinning and cone-like steepening of the cornea that distorts vision.
Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis(am-uh-ROH-sis)
A rare inherited condition that usually results in severe visual impairment or blindness from birth.
Macular Degeneration(ma·kyuh·lr duh·jeh·nr·ay·shn)
Degeneration of the macula, affecting central vision, color discrimination, and sharpness.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)(mi-OH-pee-uh)
A refractive error where close objects are seen clearly but distance vision is blurred.
Nystagmus(ni-STAG-mus)
Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements that interfere with steady focus.
Optic Nerve Atrophy (ONA)(aap·tuhk nurv a·truh·fee)
Damage or dysfunction of the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and pale optic disc.
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH)(hi-poh-PLAY-zhuh)
A congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve.
Presbyopia(pres·bee·ow·pee·uh)
Age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects.
Ptosis(TOH-sis)
Drooping of the upper eyelid, which may partially or completely block vision.
Retinal Detachment(reh·tuh·nuhl duh·tach·muhnt)
Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, often caused by trauma or high myopia.
Retinitis Pigmentosa(reh·tuh·nai·tuhs pig·muhn·tow·suh)
A hereditary condition that leads to progressive peripheral vision loss and night blindness.
Retinoblastoma(ret-in-noh-blas-TOH-muh)
A malignant intraocular tumor seen in young children. Life-threatening if untreated.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)(ret-in-AHP-uh-thee)
A condition caused by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of premature infants, often following oxygen therapy.
Stargardt Disease(staar·gaart duh·zeez)
An inherited juvenile form of macular degeneration causes progressive loss of central vision.
Strabismus(struh-BIZ-mus)
Misalignment of the eyes due to muscle imbalance. Can result in tropias (constant deviations) or phorias (intermittent).
Uveitis(yoo·vee·ai·tuhs)
Inflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, and choroid), which can cause eye pain, light sensitivity, and vision loss.
Other Causes of Visual ImpairmentsInfections
An infection is a pathologic condition. Invasion of disease-producing microorganisms, resulting in localized cell injury, toxin secretion, or antigen-antibody reaction. Several infections may affect the visual system. There are several infections that may be contracted in utero or during birth. They are often known by the acronym TORCH, for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes. Trauma
Trauma may be incurred by amniocentesis (rarely) or by forceps delivery. Globe perforation can occur from amniocentesis, leading to corneal scarring, possible cataract, retinal detachment, and retinal or vitreous hemorrhage. Maternal drug abuse is another cause of trauma. ResourcesVirginia Bishop put together this handbook on Selected Anomalies and Diseases of the Eye in 1986. I continue to use this resource as it has great information about a wide range of visual impairments including possible classroom implications and recommendations.
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