Types of Visual Impairment and the Vision Spectrum

Types of Visual Impairment

Visual impairment can take different forms depending on the underlying condition. The most common include:

  • Loss of central vision — often caused by maculopathy.
  • Reduced peripheral vision (“tunnel vision”) — linked to glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa.
  • Blurred or patchy vision (“multiple scotomas”) — associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Beyond these well-known categories, additional forms of low vision may occur on their own or in combination:

  • Reduced contrast sensitivity
  • Impaired colour perception
  • Photosensitivity and glare

Vision Loss as a Spectrum

Infographic: vision loss is a spectrum, showing legally blind, white canes, retinitis pigmentosa and what a person sees
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