A Claimant’s Guide to Disability Insurance for Vision Impairments

While there are many different medical conditions that can prevent an individual from working, one of the more significant reasons is their reduced ability to see. The following discussion explains different types of vision impairments and how they relate to short-term and long-term disability claim benefits.

What Are Vision Impairments?

The   separates visual impairment into two groups: Blindness and Low Vision. Blindness is the most thought-of type of visual impairment, which can be partial or complete. This can also refer to being “legally blind”, which is defined as 20/200 vision or worse.

Common Conditions Leading to Low Vision

A wide array of medical conditions fall under the umbrella of Low Vision. This refers to any eye condition that cannot be corrected with glasses or surgery. These conditions include:

• Cataracts – A clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision and difficulty with glare.
• Glaucoma – A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often associated with high eye pressure, leading to vision loss.
• Dry Eyes – A condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, causing discomfort and vision disturbances.
• Trauma to the Eye – Physical injury to the eye that can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (“AMD”) – A degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina (macula), causing central vision loss.
• Color Blindness – Difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, usually red and green, but can affect other color perceptions.
• Retinal Detachment – A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its supportive tissue, leading to potential blindness if not treated promptly.
• Diabetic Retinopathy – A complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment or blindness.
• Amblyopia (“Lazy Eye”) – A condition where one eye fails to develop normal vision, leading to decreased vision in that eye.
• Esotropia (“Crossed Eyes”) – A form of strabismus where one or both eyes turn inward, potentially affecting binocular vision.
• Exotropia (“Turned Out Eyes”) – Another form of strabismus where one or both eyes turn outward, disrupting normal eye coordination.

The leading causes of low vision in the United States are mostly age-related diseases: AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma; and diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

In addition to the issues noted above, uncorrected refractive errors such as Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Astigmatism, and Presbyopia can be impairing if they are untreated or unresolved by prescription glasses or contacts.

Vision Impairments and Their Impact on Work Abilities

To state the obvious, if an individual has trouble seeing then it is reasonable to assume that they will have difficulty performing their job duties. All occupations require the ability to see and observe in some fashion and in varying degrees. Some of the specific symptoms that can prevent an individual from working are:

• blindness,
• sensitivity to brightness,
• peripheral deficits,
• blurred vision,
• depth perception deficits, and
• inability to distinguish colors or objects.

Simply put, if blindness or low vision are significant enough, they preclude the ability to see properly and, in turn, perform their various occupational duties.

Proof Required for Disability Claims Caused by Vision Impairments

The standard for short-term disability and long-term disability benefits can vary from plan to plan. But generally, you will need to provide proof satisfactory to your disability insurer that you cannot perform your job duties on a reliably consistent basis.

Gathering Medical Evidence

This proof can take several different forms. Two examples are your treatment records and treating physician/ophthalmologist assessments that your visual impairments prevent you from working. Your odds of receiving disability benefits are better if the records and assessments are thorough and detailed.

Objective Testing for Vision Impairments

It is also important to submit evidence of objective testing measures that validate your low vision. There are a number of tests your ophthalmologist can perform. Some of them include:

• Snellen test (visual acuity)
• visual field test
• tonometry test
• ocular motility assessment
• visually evoked potential electroretinogram

Your ophthalmologist can use the results of these tests to confirm your resulting diagnoses. In turn, the diagnoses can be used to support your ongoing visual symptoms.

It is also helpful to identify the specific visual duties of your job. Therefore, you can demonstrate which duties you are unable to perform based on your vision deficits. Here, you can reference the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (“DOT“) which lists the specific visual requirements of most occupations.

Ultimately, you need to submit evidence sufficient to convince your disability insurer that your vision problems prevent you from performing the duties of your job.   Successfully obtaining disability benefits for vision impairments requires strong, well-documented evidence and a deep understanding of both your medical condition and the legal landscape. Navigating this process on your own can be overwhelming and complex.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Vision-Related Disability Claims

If your vision impairments are affecting your ability to work, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact DeBofsky Law today to speak with our experienced attorneys who specialize in disability claims for vision impairments. We will work closely with you to build a compelling case and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Your ability to see should never stand in the way of securing your future—reach out to us now for a consultation.