When someone suffers from vision impairments, nearly every aspect of their life can be affected. These days, advancements in medicine and technology have somewhat improved the lives of visually impaired people. Despite these advancements, those who have visual impairments often struggle to perform daily tasks and, many times, are unable to work. Fortunately, those who are blind or visually impaired can seek assistance from Social Security.
Blindness and conditions that qualify
When someone is considered legally blind, they may still be able to see in a limited fashion but their vision is significantly impaired. The legal definition of blindness is when a person has a vision of 20/200 or less in their better eye, even with contacts or glasses. Being legally blind is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration. Anyone who is legally blind can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Other eye problems that commonly qualify for disability benefits include partial sight, macular degeneration, glaucoma and ocular melanoma.
Disability benefits for vision impairments
For a person to receive disability for vision impairments, it will be necessary to meet the medical requirements defined by the SSA for vision loss in the SSA’s medical guide for conditions that qualify for disability benefits. However, even if applicants do not meet the medical criteria listed in the SSA’s medical guide, they may still be able to obtain disability benefits if they can prove that their impairments prevent them from working. Applicants will be required to supply the necessary medical evidence to prove their case. By contacting an experienced legal professional, those who suffer from vision impairments or other conditions can obtain information about what steps they should take to apply for SSDI benefits.
