1.

Background
Were going to talk to you today about visual impairment. To do that, we need to
talk about vision. Eyes are famous for being one of the most complicated pieces
of human [and non-human] anatomy. Dont believe me? Let me tell you how
they work. (12.7)
2. Vision process
Light enters the eye first through through the cornea, then through the circular
opening in the iris the pupil. After that, the light is focused by the lens, which
acts like a crystal in fact, it is crystalline. Then it passes through the vitreous
humor, which is basically clear goo, before it gets to the retina, which receives the
light and sends electrical signals to the back of your brain via the optic nerve.
Thats the simplified version. (21.7)
3. Definition(s)
So what happens when something goes wrong? You may wind up with a form of
visual impairment, which is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Improvement Act as an optical issue which, even with correction, interferes with
an individuals educational performance. About 2.4 percent of school-age
children in the US qualify roughly 1 in 40. (17.7)
4. Vocab
The federal government considers an individual to be legally blind if the vision in
their better eye is equal to or worse than 20/200. This would mean that you see
something 20 feet away about as well as someone with 20/20, or perfect, vision
sees something 200 feet away. This definition relies solely on visual acuity,
which is your ability to perceive details. The other general dimension of vision is
called visual field, which is the breadth of your vision essentially narrow or
wide. (23.9)
5. Vocab contd.
As opposed to legal blindness, youre considered to have functional blindness if
your vision is impaired enough that you rely primarily on other senses for
educative purposes touch and hearing. Functionally blind learners usually

require Braille for reading. If you have low vision, you still rely primarily on
sight for learning, but it is assisted with some other device or devices. (18.7)
6. Types/classifications (w/ prevalence rates)
Because there are so many pieces that need to work just right for the eye to
function properly, there are a lot of different types of visual impairment, which
affect visual acuity and visual field in different ways. The most common types
affecting students include cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, myopia or
nearsightedness, albinism, eye injury, cortical visual impairment, and retinopathy
of prematurity. I told you there were a lot. Lets look at a few of them. (23.8)
7. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a classification of diseases that affect the optic nerve. This is what it
looks like to have glaucoma. If this image looks identical to the last, consult your
optometrist. Essentially, fluid that normally leaves your eye through the pupil
gets trapped, building pressure in your eyeball and damaging the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is most commonly found in older folks than youll be teaching, but can
also run in families. Be on the lookout for cloudy or excessively teary eyes in
students, as well as light sensitivity.

8. Cataracts
Cataracts are normally associated with the elderly, but there are several types that
can affect younger people. Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens, which
obscures vision. You can be born with cataracts, or develop them as a result of
other eye problems. They may also develop after trauma to the eye, even years
down the road. Smoking, alcohol use and diabetes are thought to increase
chances of developing cataracts. Cataract development can be slowed or treated
with surgery, so watch out for students who complain of blurry vision or glare, or
have trouble distinguishing between dark colors.
9. Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is one that usually only affects people over 50.
However, it is preventable to a degree, so it pays to be familiar and share some
tips with your students, especially if they have a family history. It destroys your
central vision, but you can reduce your risk by exercising regularly; watching
your blood pressure and cholesterol; eating healthy; and most importantly,
abstaining from smoking. See a pattern?
10. Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness. This one is fairly common, but also
usually easier to treat. Its caused by eyeballs that are too deep, so the light
doesnt focus properly in the back of your eye. This can usually be treated with
corrective lenses. If you see students squinting or complaining of frequent
headaches, you could be dealing with myopia.