Visual impairment usually does not mean total sight loss. The following are simulations of what it is like to have the main types of visual impairment.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Glaucoma

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people age 65 and older. It can be part of the body's natural aging process or it may be inherited. It is caused by damage to the macula, the small part of the retina that gives sharp, straight-on vision. It may cause blurred, distorted vision, often with large blank spots in the central area of sight. Very rarely does the disease cause total loss of sight. There are two common types:

Dry AMD is caused by aging and the thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss usually is gradual.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels form at the back of the eye and hemorrhage, causing rapid vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy is associated with diabetes and is caused by the breakage of tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing hemorrhages on or in the retina. Untreated diabetes or poor disease maintenance greatly increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the severity of the disease, sight can remain near normal or can be lost entirely. Remaining vision my be blurred or distorted or the hemorrhaging may cause a deep reddish veil to form over the field of vision.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a hereditary condition leading to chronic retinal degeneration, accompanied by abnormal deposits of pigment. The disease causes a progressive decrease in peripheral or side vision. Eventually, a person with retinitis pigmentosa can see only directly ahead, a condition known as "tunnel vision." Night vision also can be affected as can the ability to walk safely. Very rarely does the disease cause total loss of sight.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease that affects infants, especially those born prematurely. The retina may detach partially or completely, depending on the severity of the disease. A child born with ROP may experience problems ranging from nearsightedness to total blindness. (A partial detachment is shown.)