Ask An Expert: Definition of Legally Blind

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Definition of Legally Blind

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Question:

What percentage of your eyesight has to be lost for you to be considered legally blind in either eye?

Answer:

There is no such thing as being legally blind in one eye. Both eyes must have substantial visual loss. Each state defines what qualifies as legally blind. The most widely accepted definition in the United States is a vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye using the best possible correction. Vision of 20/200 in the better eye implies that about 95% of acuity has been lost.

Alternatively, you are classified as legally blind if there is a marked decrease in your visual field to only 20 degrees or less.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

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Last updated:	April 23, 2007
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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