Glaucoma is a medical condition that affects the eyes and can cause vision loss. Whether or not it is considered a disability depends on the severity and impact of the condition on an individual’s ability to perform their daily activities and job tasks.

In many cases, glaucoma can be managed effectively with medication, surgery, or other treatments. However, if glaucoma is severe and causes significant vision loss or impairment, it can be considered a disability.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including seeing, walking, and working. If glaucoma meets these criteria and substantially limits an individual’s ability to see or perform other major life activities, it can be considered a disability under the ADA.

Individuals with glaucoma who believe their condition is substantially limiting their ability to perform their job or other major life activities may be eligible for accommodations or other assistance under the ADA.

How Does glaucoma affect vision?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage to the optic nerve is often caused by increased pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure.

The extent to which glaucoma affects vision can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. In its early stages, glaucoma may not cause any noticeable symptoms or vision loss. However, as the condition progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

Loss of peripheral vision

Glaucoma often causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision, which may not be noticeable until the condition is advanced.

Tunnel vision

As the loss of peripheral vision continues, it can create a sense of looking through a tunnel, with a narrowing of the visual field.

Blurred vision

Some people with glaucoma may experience blurred vision, particularly at the edges of their visual field.

Halos around lights

Glaucoma can cause halos or rings around lights, particularly at night.

Decreased contrast sensitivity

Glaucoma can make it more difficult to distinguish between shades of gray and to see objects in low light.

If left untreated, glaucoma can eventually lead to total blindness. That’s why it’s important to have regular eye exams and to get prompt treatment if glaucoma is diagnosed.

How Can I Get Disability Benefits for Glaucoma?

To get disability benefits for glaucoma, you would need to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has a specific process for evaluating disability claims based on vision loss, including glaucoma.

Here are the general steps for applying for disability benefits for glaucoma:

Meet the eligibility criteria

To qualify for disability benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having worked and paid into the Social Security system and having a condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.

Gather medical documentation

You will need to provide medical documentation that shows the severity of your glaucoma and how it affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. This may include a comprehensive eye exam, visual field test results, and other medical records.

Submit a disability application

You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Make sure to include all relevant medical documentation and information about how your glaucoma affects your ability to work.

Wait for a decision

The SSA will review your application and medical records to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits. This process can take several months, so be prepared to wait.

It’s important to note that not everyone with glaucoma will be eligible for disability benefits. The severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work and perform daily activities will be the key factors in determining your eligibility. If you’re unsure if you qualify, it may be helpful to consult with a disability attorney or advocate who can assist you with the application process.

Meeting a Vision Listing to Be Eligible for Benefits 

You can be immediately eligible for benefits if the results of your vision tests fall under specified criteria and show extremely serious glaucoma (what Social Security calls meeting a listed impairment). 

Whether due to glaucoma or another ailment, there are three entries in the SSA for visual loss: 

1. Loss of central visual acuity in listing 2.02 
2. Listings 2.03 and 2.04 show a reduction in the size of the visual fields. 
3. Central visual acuity refers to how clearly you can see when wearing corrective lenses like glasses or contacts and gazing straight ahead. 

Your range of vision, or how much you can see to the sides, is diminished as a result of visual field contraction. A combination of low central acuity and a small field of vision results in visual efficiency loss. 

Disability Benefits Eligibility Based on Limited Functional Capacity 

The extremely reduced vision needed to achieve the listing standards is not common among glaucoma patients. But, if you can demonstrate that your bad eyesight prohibits you from returning to your previous employment and hinders you from doing any other occupations, you may still be eligible for disability payments. 

Social Security evaluates your residual functional capacity to decide if you can work (RFC). Your RFC is a set of restrictions on the tasks you are able to safely carry out at work. For instance, a person with glaucoma or other visual problems could have the following limits in their RFC: 

• No operating at heights without protection 
• no commercial vehicle driving 
• No climbing on scaffolds, ropes, or ladders 
• Avoid using heavy equipment, and not working in dimly lit areas. 

The SSA seldom grants benefits based on an RFC with just visual restrictions since there are a sizable number of occupations that don’t expose workers to the aforementioned dangers. But, if you suffer from further physical or mental impairments as a result of other health issues, your RFC may forbid you from doing any employment, and the agency may declare you handicapped.

Disability Benefits for Glaucoma-Related Blindness 

Your level of vision impairment may qualify you as legally blind. If you are legally blind and receive Social Security disability payments, your state’s Supplemental Security Income program may be able to give you more (SSI). You may also make up to $2,460 a month before it is deemed to be “substantial gainful activity” (as opposed to the $1,470 cap for non blind handicapped employees).

Requesting disability benefits due to glaucoma 

There are various ways you can apply for disability compensation through Social Security: 

• You can submit your application online at the SSA’s website if you have access to a computer. 
• Call the SSA at 800-722-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to make an appointment. Call 800-325-0778 to reach a TTY if you’re hard of hearing or deaf. 
• Visit the closest Social Security field office for support if you’d prefer it in person. 

The procedure for determining disability can be drawn out and aggravating. Think about seeking assistance from a qualified disability advocate or attorney. Your attorney may assist with obtaining the proof you need to prove you have glaucoma, handle correspondence with the SSA, and act as your representative during a disability hearing.

Can you still legally drive if you have glaucoma as a disability?

Whether or not you can legally drive with glaucoma depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition and the laws in your state or country. In general, if your glaucoma is well-controlled and your vision meets the legal requirements for driving, you may be able to continue driving.

However, if your glaucoma is severe and has caused significant vision loss, it may not be safe or legal for you to drive. In many states and countries, there are specific vision requirements that drivers must meet to be licensed. These requirements typically include visual acuity (sharpness of vision) and visual field (the extent of your side vision).

If you’re not sure whether you meet the legal requirements for driving with glaucoma, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor and your state or country’s licensing authority. Your eye doctor can evaluate your vision and provide guidance on whether driving is safe for you. Your licensing authority can provide information on the specific requirements for drivers with vision impairments in your area.

In general, it’s important to prioritize safety when deciding whether or not to drive with glaucoma. If you’re experiencing vision loss or other symptoms that could affect your ability to drive safely, it’s important to stop driving until your condition is under control or you have adapted to your vision changes.

What other limitations might I have if I’m disabled by glaucoma?

If you’re disabled by glaucoma, you may experience limitations in a variety of areas. The extent of your limitations will depend on the severity of your condition, the treatments you’re receiving, and other factors. Here are some examples of limitations you might experience:

Vision loss

Glaucoma can cause progressive vision loss, which can affect your ability to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, and navigating your environment.

Reduced mobility

Vision loss can also affect your mobility, making it more difficult to move around independently and safely.

Increased risk of falls

People with vision loss are at higher risk of falls and other accidents, which can lead to injury and further disability.

Reduced quality of life

The impact of glaucoma on your vision and daily activities can lead to reduced quality of life and social isolation.

Difficulty working

Depending on the severity of your vision loss, you may have difficulty performing your job duties or finding employment that accommodates your condition.

Emotional and psychological effects

Coping with a chronic condition like glaucoma can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, and may lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

It’s important to work with your healthcare team and other professionals to address these limitations and develop strategies to manage your condition and maintain your independence and quality of life. This may involve treatments such as medication or surgery, vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, and other accommodations.

Summary

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can cause vision loss and ultimately result in disability. Depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s specific circumstances, glaucoma can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, work, and participate in social and recreational activities. If glaucoma meets the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability, an individual may be eligible for disability benefits. However, qualifying for disability benefits can be a complex process, and individuals must demonstrate that their glaucoma meets specific medical criteria and affects their ability to work and function. Management and treatment of glaucoma can help reduce its impact on an individual’s daily life and may involve a combination of medication, surgery, and other accommodations.

FAQ’s 

How much does glaucoma disability pay? 

Disability rating of 60%: $1,131.68 monthly. With 30% disability, the monthly rate is $435.69. Disability grade of 10%: monthly income of $142.29

Is glaucoma a chronic impairment? 

The SSA will recognize your glaucoma as a condition and you will be eligible for Social Security disability payments if you can demonstrate that it is so severe that it will prevent you from working full time for at least 12 months. 

Can someone with glaucoma still work? 

Glaucoma does not always indicate that your productive working years are finished. People with glaucoma can live active, healthy lives because of recent advancements in therapy, technology, and general awareness of the condition. 

How many glaucoma sufferers become blind? 

If glaucoma is not treated, blindness may result. Yet regrettably, even among glaucoma patients who receive effective therapy, 10% still lose their eyesight. Loss of eyesight due to glaucoma cannot be recovered. Further eyesight loss may be stopped with treatment and/or surgery.