Which visual impairments should practitioners be familiar with?

Practitioners should be familiar with visual impairments that encompass a range of common and significant conditions that can affect an individual's vision. The correct choice includes cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, all of which are prevalent and impactful visual disorders.

Cataracts lead to clouding of the lens, resulting in blurred vision and decreased visibility, especially in bright light. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, often leading to peripheral vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, affects the retina and can result in severe vision impairment if untreated. Age-related macular degeneration causes deterioration of the macula, affecting central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading and recognizing faces.

Being knowledgeable about these conditions is essential for practitioners as they can often be involved in assessing, managing, or referring clients who may be experiencing visual impairments. Understanding how these conditions affect vision helps practitioners provide appropriate interventions, support, and resources to enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing these issues.