¤Functional Vision Worksheet¤
Disease/Condition: Cataracts / Opacity of the lens prevents light from passing
clearly to the retina
Etiology (cause): Chemical changes in the lens protein
· Exposure to UV light or some medications
· Disturbance during the first month of fetal life when the lens is developing
· Hereditary causes (congenital)
· Severe malnutrition
· Disease carried from the mother to the fetus (Rubella) (congenital)
· Systemic disease (Diabetes)
· Trauma (head injury, puncture wound, cut, intense heat, or chemical burn)
· Drugs during pregnancy
· Medications (steroids)
· Normal manifestation of aging (cells on the lens dies and clump together)
Portion(s) of anatomy affected:
· The lens
Category of Vision Loss:
· Sensitivity to glare
· Central visual field loss
· Reduced visual acuity
Resulting effect on vision:
1. Blurred Vision / low central visual acuity
2. Contrast sensitivity
3. Sensitivity to glare
4. Less vivid perception of color
5. Nystagmus
6. Squinting
7. Irritation of the eye
8. Unusual head positions
9. It may help vision to hold objects closer when reading
Examples of potential situations where decreased visual function may occur
1. Bright lighting during a hockey game may cause a person to not be able to see
the hockey puck
2. Observing fine details on the board for math may be very difficult or
impossible
3. Sensitivity to light and glare may make it hard to drive, especially at night.
4. Problems with depth perception: difficulty seeing the difference between a
change in floor level (the curb of a sidewalk); may cause an individual to trip