Being “legally blind” is often misunderstood. Many Filipinos think it refers to someone who cannot see at all, but this is not always the case. Legal blindness has a specific official classification used by the Philippine government to determine disability status, eligibility for a PWD ID, and access to benefits under the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act No. 7277, as amended by RA 9442).
Understanding what legally blind means helps people recognize early warning signs, seek proper eye care, and gain the support they need. It also reduces confusion between terms like low vision, partial sight, visual impairment, and total blindness.
What Is Considered Legally Blind in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, a person is considered legally blind based on two main measurements:
- Best-corrected visual acuity, and
- Field of vision.
Legal blindness is defined as:
- Best-corrected vision of 20/200 (6/60) or worse in the better eye, even after wearing the correct glasses or contact lenses.
- Field of vision of 20 degrees or less, meaning severe peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision.
These standards follow guidelines from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Department of Health (DOH). They ensure that disability assessments across government agencies use a uniform and medically accurate benchmark.
This distinction is important because legal blindness considers what you see with correction, not how blurry your vision is without glasses.
Eye Grade vs Legal Blindness: What Eye Grade Is Legally Blind?
Many Filipinos ask, “What eye grade is legally blind?”
The short answer: Eye grade (diopters) does NOT determine legal blindness.
Eye grade shows your refractive error—for example:
- High myopia (e.g., –6.00D and above)
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
But you can have –10.00 or even –12.00 eye grade and still see clearly with glasses. If your best-corrected vision becomes normal again, you are not considered legally blind.
Legal blindness depends on:
- Snellen Chart measurement (20/200 or worse)
- LogMAR or Decimal acuity equivalent
- Visual field restriction
This means someone with a high “eye grade” is not automatically eligible for a PWD ID. Only when the vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200—or the field of vision is extremely narrow—does legal blindness apply.
What Do Legally Blind People See?
Legal blindness does not always look the same for everyone. Vision loss varies depending on the eye condition behind it.
Here are common visual experiences:
Blurry or Cloudy Vision
People may only see outlines, large shapes, or moving shadows. Details disappear even at close distances.
Scotoma (Blind Spots)
Some experience spotty vision or dark patches blocking parts of their view.
Tunnel Vision
Others lose side vision and see the world as if looking through a narrow tube. This is common in glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa.
Loss of Central Vision
Conditions like macular degeneration make it hard to read, recognize faces, or see details.
Light Perception Only (LPO) or Hand Motion (HM)
Some can detect brightness or hand movements but cannot see shapes clearly.
Counting Fingers (CF) Vision
A doctor may measure whether the patient can count fingers at a specific distance.
These descriptions help distinguish functional vision from complete blindness. Many legally blind individuals still navigate daily life using orientation and mobility skills, adaptive devices, magnifiers, screen readers, a white cane, or Braille.
What Causes Legal Blindness in the Philippines?
Several eye conditions lead to severe vision loss. The most common include:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma (optic nerve damage)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (retinal damage)
- Macular Degeneration
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Optic Atrophy
- Corneal Opacity or Scarring
Many of these conditions progress slowly and can be prevented or managed with early eye exams. Regular screening is especially important for Filipinos with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or long-term exposure to UV light.
Daily Challenges and Living with Low Vision
Being legally blind affects many aspects of life. Everyday routines like reading, mobility, and recognizing faces may require assistance or special techniques.
People adapt by using:
- High-contrast lighting
- Mobile accessibility tools
- Large-print materials
- Electronic magnifiers
- Orientation and mobility training
- Guide dogs or canes
Support from family and communities is essential. With proper skills and rehabilitation, many persons with visual impairment maintain independence and continue working or studying.
Benefits for Legally Blind Filipinos
Legal blindness qualifies individuals for a PWD ID, granting benefits such as:
- 20% discount on medicines, consultations, and certain services
- VAT exemption
- Educational support
- Priority access to government assistance
- Reasonable accommodation in school and workplaces
These programs exist to reduce financial burden and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Conversational FAQs
No. High eye grade only means a strong refractive error. If your vision becomes clear with glasses, you are not legally blind.
Yes. Many still see shapes, light, or movement. Legal blindness does not always mean total darkness.
Only if their best-corrected vision is still 20/200 or worse or their field of vision is severely narrowed.
Doctors use a Snellen Chart, visual field test, and refraction to measure best-corrected vision.
Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa are among the most common.
Conclusion
Legal blindness in the Philippines is more than a number—it reflects how well a person can function in daily life despite severe visual impairment. Understanding best-corrected vision, the 20/200 standard, and how different eye diseases affect sight helps Filipinos recognize when it is time to seek help.
If you or someone you know struggles with blurred vision, narrowing sight, or difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses, early diagnosis is essential.
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics offers comprehensive eye exams, advanced diagnostic tools, and expert care to help safeguard your vision and guide you toward the right treatment.
Your eyesight is worth protecting—start today with trusted specialists who put your vision first.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- NCDA. “Manual on Disability Support Service, https://ncda.gov.ph/wp-content/publications/NCDA-Manual-On-Disability-Support-Services.pdf”
- Word Blind Union. “Country report from the Philippines to the mid-term regional general assembly, Thailand, 27-29 November 2023, https://wbuap.org/archives/1587″
- PERI. “Philippine Eye Disease Study, https://www.peri.ph/philippine-eye-disease-study”
- NCDA. “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, https://ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/implementing-rules-and-regulations-irr/irr-of-ra-10754-an-act-expanding-the-benefits-and-privileges-of-persons-with-disability-pwd/”
- NCDA. “Republic Act 7277, https://ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/republic-acts/republic-act-7277/”
- Glaucoma PH. “How many people in the Philippines have poor eyesight/Glaucoma?, https://glaucoma.ph/how-many-people-in-the-philippines-have-poor-eyesight-glaucoma/”
- The Summit Express. “NCDA clarifies ‘poor eyesight, low vision’ qualifications for PWD ID benefits, https://www.thesummitexpress.com/2019/01/ncda-poor-eyesight-low-vision-qualifications-for-pwd-id-benefits.html”