Visuaalsuseta

Visuaalsuseta is an Estonian term meaning "without vision" used to describe individuals with little or no sight, i.e., blind or severely visually impaired. In everyday language it can refer to a person who cannot see, while in medical contexts it points to various levels of vision loss. Blindness can be a complete absence of light perception or a substantial reduction in acuity or field of vision that cannot be corrected to normal.

Causes include congenital conditions present at birth, diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, as well as injuries or infections. Prevalence varies, and aging populations contribute to higher rates of vision loss in many countries, including Estonia.

People with visuaalsuseta experience challenges in daily life, education, employment, and mobility. Accessibility measures, assistive technologies and inclusive design help mitigate these challenges. Common aids include screen readers, braille, tactile graphics, audio books, and mobility tools like the white cane.

In Estonia, organizations and public services provide support, advocacy, and information about accessibility, education, employment, and independent living for visuaalsuseta individuals.

Overall, visuaalsuseta is a neutral descriptor used to characterize vision loss, with a spectrum from partial to complete impairment. The term underscores the importance of accessible environments and continued development of assistive technologies to enable participation in society.