Other refractive errors that affect vision but are not diseases or disabilities are longsightedness and astigmatism. As with myopia, vision problems caused by longsightedness and astigmatism typically can be fully corrected with spectacles and contact lenses.
According to the World Health Organization, refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) account for 43% of visual impairments occurring globally.
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error. These are common eye disorders that make it difficult to see clearly.
We consider you to be blind if your vision can't be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye. We also consider you blind if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye for a period that lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. The duration requirement does not apply for SSI payments.
This type of refractive error is known as astigmatism and in Australia 1.4 million have this eye condition.
Most times astigmatism is not a serious eye condition, but causes eye strain and fatigue – impacting school and office performances. However, astigmatism can sometimes hide a sight-threatening eye condition. Astigmatism, like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), is a common refractive error.
If you've already been diagnosed with astigmatism, you know this condition can cause blurry vision and make it difficult to see at night, especially when driving. If you're seeing beams of light or light halos when driving at night, astigmatism may be the cause—and you should consult your eye doctor.
If you are under 66 years and 6 months, and legally blind, you are eligible for the Disability Support Pension (Blind). If you are aged 66 and 6 months or older, and legally blind, you are eligible the Age Pension (Blind). Being legally blind doesn't mean you have total vision loss or 'black' blindness.
Medically Qualifying With Vision Loss
The most straightforward way to qualify for disability is to prove that your vision is legally blind, or 20/200 or worse. This will automatically qualify for disability benefits.
While astigmatism cannot be cured, glasses and contact lenses can be used to treat the blurry vision that results from having astigmatism. For those wishing for a more permanent solution to blurry vision, refractive surgery is required.
How common is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a common refractive error, occurring in about 1 in 3 of all people. Astigmatism is often present at birth but it can also develop over time, and most often occurs with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
The condition often occurs with other vision conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia). Many people confuse astigmatism with "lazy eye" (amblyopia). They are not the same condition though severe astigmatism can contribute to amblyopia.
Moderate Astigmatism 1.00 to 2.00 diopters. High Astigmatism 2.00 to 4.00 diopters. Extreme Astigmatism > 4.00 diopters.
Astigmatism frequently worsens with age. Your cornea can become more irregular due to pressure from your eyelids as they lose muscle tone. Astigmatism generally stays stable until your turn 50. After then, your lens curvature progressively worsens each decade.
In India, under RPWD Act 2016, low vision is considered to be a disability. A person having benchmark disability, can avail disability benefits from the government.
There are a number of benefits and concessions that you may be entitled to if you are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted), whether you are of working age or older, in work or out of work.
If You Are Blind Or Visually Impaired
You may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
For example, reduced mobility due to an acute injury such as a lower limb fracture will not meet the NDIS disability requirement, as the condition is likely to resolve. The NDIS will also not provide funding or supports for chronic health conditions that are not related to a person's disability.
Wearing glasses is not considered a disability, regardless of the prescription strength. In fact, visual impairment is legally determined by "best corrected vision." This is a person's best visual acuity while wearing corrective lenses.
Astigmatism can make your vision blurry and particularly affect your night vision. You may notice that lights look fuzzy, streaky, or surrounded by haloes at night, which can make driving difficult.
If you have astigmatism, light that enters your eye is bent more than it should be. The light can't properly focus on your retina. This means only parts of an object you're looking at are in focus. That uneven focus makes objects look blurry or wavy.
Astigmatism can cause fatigue if you are concentrating on a visual task (reading, computer use, driving, etc.) for a long period of time. Your focussing system is constantly adjusting, trying to achieve a sharp image which the astigmatic eye cannot produce without optical correction.