Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What is the legal definition of blindness?

1. Visual field restriction of 10 degrees

2. Visual field restriction of up to 20 degrees or central visual acuity in the better eye of no more than 20/200

3. Inability to distinguish light intensity

4. Central vision loss in both eyes

The correct answer is: Visual field restriction of up to 20 degrees or central visual acuity in the better eye of no more than 20/200

The legal definition of blindness, particularly in the context of eligibility for certain services and benefits, generally pertains to both visual acuity and visual field. Option B encapsulates this definition succinctly, indicating that an individual may be considered blind if they have a visual field restriction of up to 20 degrees or a central visual acuity in the better eye that does not surpass the threshold of 20/200. This dual criterion is significant because it recognizes that blindness can manifest not only as diminished sight but also as substantial narrowing of the visual field, which can severely impact a person's ability to navigate their environment and perform daily tasks. This definition thus serves as a comprehensive assessment of visual impairment, aligning with standards used by health care providers, governmental agencies, and organizations serving individuals with visual impairment or blindness. In contrast, while the other options describe various visual impairments, they do not fully align with the established legal criteria for blindness. For instance, a visual field restriction of 10 degrees represents a significant impairment but does not incorporate the visual acuity threshold necessary for legal blindness. Similarly, the inability to distinguish light intensity and central vision loss do not adequately capture the comprehensive nature of the legal definition as stated in option B. This multifaceted understanding is crucial for providing