Preventable Sight Loss in the UK
Around half of all cases of vision loss in the UK are avoidable.
This is striking given that blindness or impaired vision is often thought to stem from causes unrelated to negligence, such as individuals born with visual impairments. Yet, it is estimated that nearly a million people in the UK currently live with preventable sight loss.
Any degree of vision loss caused by negligence can be a life-altering experience. It may rob a person of the ability to manage everyday tasks at home, continue in their job, or, in many cases, maintain an independent lifestyle. Such profound changes in an individual’s abilities can create a difficult period for them and their families—both emotionally and financially.
Categories of Vision Loss
Loss of vision can be classified in two main ways: first, by its extent, and second, by its duration or severity.
Extent: Complete or Partial
Complete Vision Loss
Commonly referred to as blindness, this occurs when an individual’s ability to perceive visual images is entirely absent.
It usually develops when either the eyes or the brain are unable to process light waves into recognizable images.
Partial Vision Loss
This refers to a reduction in visual capacity within certain parts of the visual field, with some degree of sight still preserved.
For instance, losing vision in one eye would be considered a partial impairment, since the other eye still provides visual input.
Partial vision loss may also involve disturbances in specific regions of sight, resulting in blind spots, tunnel vision, or blurred images.
Severity: Permanent or Temporary
Permanent Vision Loss
This form of sight impairment does not improve and is typically caused by lasting damage to the retina or to the brain’s visual processing areas.
Permanent blindness may stem from conditions such as retinal detachment, brain tumors, or blood clots in the eye.
Temporary Vision Loss
This type of vision reduction can last for a brief moment or extend for a longer period but usually resolves over time without becoming chronic.
Causes may include migraines, exposure to sudden bright light, or low blood pressure episodes—such as when standing up too quickly.
Causes of Vision Loss
Head or Brain Injuries
Trauma to the head can result in vision impairment if the regions of the brain responsible for processing sight are damaged or disrupted.
Medical Negligence
If a healthcare professional fails to diagnose a condition that could reasonably have been detected, it may lead to partial or total blindness. Similarly, delays or errors in treatment for vision-threatening conditions can worsen the outcome.
This also applies to inadequate vision care, such as incorrect prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. Even procedures like laser eye surgery carry risks that, in some cases, may result in vision loss.
Exposure to Intense Light
Extremely bright lights, including explosions, lasers, or high-intensity lighting, can seriously harm the eyes. Overexposure may damage the retina and, in severe cases, cause permanent blindness.
Dust, Debris, and Chemicals
The eyes are naturally protected by eyelids, eyelashes, and their recessed positioning, but fine particles or corrosive substances can still penetrate and damage them. Failure to use proper protective gear while handling machinery or chemicals can lead to vision impairment.
Tools and Equipment in Workplaces
Sharp instruments and equipment used in construction, manufacturing, kitchens, and DIY projects can cause severe eye injuries. Neglecting safety precautions, such as not wearing protective eyewear or misusing tools, increases the risk of permanent vision loss.
Effects of Sight Loss
The sense of sight is one of the most essential human senses. Much of our society is structured around activities that assume individuals can visually engage, including television, advertising, and education.
This is not to suggest that a person who experiences sight loss cannot lead a fulfilling life, but it is important to recognise the challenges faced by someone who must adapt after losing their vision.
The psychological impact of losing one’s sight can be severe, with many individuals experiencing depression due to diminished confidence in performing tasks they previously considered simple.
Our team of experienced solicitors can deal with sight loss claims and can provide effective legal support to pursue compensation on your behalf. The assistance they offer can alleviate some of the burdens, allowing you to focus on recovery and planning for the future. Without this essential support, sight loss can profoundly affect all areas of a person’s life as well as the lives of those close to them.
Physical Effects
Mobility
One of the most practical challenges of sight loss is performing tasks that were previously managed visually, such as navigating stairs, cooking, or dressing.
Other senses may compensate for the absence of sight, but this adjustment can take time, as most people are unaccustomed to relying heavily on hearing for coordination and balance.
Limitations in Daily Activities
A person with significant sight loss may struggle to maintain independence, as they cannot legally drive and may find it more difficult to move around safely. Simple activities like pouring a drink, reading, or preparing meals can become extremely challenging.
Restrictions in Social Participation
Activities that were once enjoyable may no longer be accessible due to their reliance on vision, including many mainstream sports and recreational pursuits.
Psychological Effects
Isolation
Reduced ability to engage in previous social or recreational activities may lead to feelings of helplessness and isolation, as social interactions are limited by the new condition.
Self-Perception
Individuals with sight loss may feel self-conscious about their condition, particularly when using visual aids such as a white cane. Concerns about how others perceive them can lead to embarrassment or anxiety, restricting social participation, employment opportunities, and educational pursuits.
Treatment And Rehabilitation
The effectiveness of treatments for sight loss and the range of aids available to support individuals are continually improving. Many people now lead independent lives with the help of expertly trained guide dogs and devices designed to assist with everyday household tasks.
The goal of treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy for those with sight loss is to ensure a good quality of life by enhancing independence. This includes teaching techniques to live autonomously despite their disability, offering guidance on reintegration into society, and structuring daily routines to maintain optimal activity levels.
Our panel of experienced serious injury solicitors understands the critical role of treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy in recovery. They also recognize the importance of emotional support for both the injured person and their family, ensuring the recovery process is approached with full commitment without compromising other aspects of life, such as education or employment. Their expertise in sight loss claims is invaluable in securing compensation that supports your journey toward recovery, beginning with tailored treatment and rehabilitation.
Stages of Treatment and Rehabilitation
Specialist Equipment and Training
This includes acquiring and learning to use a trained guide dog or white cane, as well as gadgets that assist with domestic tasks—such as devices that indicate when a glass is full. Learning Braille, the tactile reading system used by the visually impaired, is another key skill that helps overcome practical challenges.
Promoting Daily Living Skills
It is important for the injured individual to take responsibility for maximising their independence, provided it is not overwhelming. This includes performing ordinary tasks such as bathing and dressing with minimal assistance.
Encouraging self-care fosters a greater sense of self-worth and supports the development of independence, ultimately helping the individual to lead a more normal and fulfilling life.
Types of Therapy
Psychotherapy
One highly effective form is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which targets individuals at risk of depression due to their injuries. CBT helps identify how thought patterns influence behaviors and how actions reinforce these thoughts. By addressing negative thinking and encouraging positive thought processes, CBT can reduce stress and promote a more optimistic outlook.
Psychological support is vital, as depression in the injured person or family members can hinder physical recovery, particularly if the individual has PTSD. Various forms of psychotherapy aim to address emotional and psychological challenges, helping to maintain mental well-being.
Occupational Therapy
Tasks once considered simple, such as bathing, may become difficult for individuals with sight loss. Occupational therapy focuses on increasing independence by teaching adaptive techniques that allow them to manage daily activities effectively, despite changes in their abilities.