H54: Visual impairment including blindness (binocular or monocular)

Visual impairment, including blindness, refers to a group of conditions that limit the ability to see clearly. This can affect one eye (monocular) or both eyes (binocular). The common causes may include but are not limited to, eye injuries, certain systemic diseases like diabetes, ocular vascular disorders, congenital anomalies, nutritional deficiencies or exposure to harmful environmental factors. The symptoms can vary from having blurry or hazy vision, difficulty in focusing, light sensitivity, to a complete loss of sight. Progression of these conditions depends largely on the underlying cause. For instance, damage due to glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve, is gradual, whereas trauma can result in sudden loss of vision. These conditions primarily affect the visual system, however, they can also indirectly impact the quality of life by limiting mobility and independence.