What this listing is about
If, after best correction, the claimant’s better eye sees 20/200 or worse at distance, the listing is met. This is also the statutory blindness standard under Title II/Title XVI (with special Title XVI rules). eCFR Social Security
Exact text (SSA)
“2.02 Loss of central visual acuity. Remaining vision in the better eye after best correction is 20/200 or less.” eCFR
Checklist (elements to prove)
- Best-corrected distance visual acuity measured using Snellen-comparable methodology.
- Better eye acuity ≤ 20/200.
- Consistency with the rest of the clinical record (no conflicting findings). Social Security
Proof tips & testing
- Use Snellen or research-grade charts (ETDRS/Bailey-Lovie) if available; SSA accepts ETDRS and treats inability to read any 20/100 letters as meeting 20/200.
- No pinhole or automated refraction for final determination; they’re not accepted as “best-corrected.”
- Visual Evoked Response (VER): An absent response in the better eye can establish 20/200 or worse if consistent with the record.
- Document cause of loss (optic neuropathy, maculopathy, etc.) and longitudinal stability. Social Security
Definitions: Best correction = optimal acuity with appropriate lens the claimant can use on a sustained basis; ETDRS = standardized chart commonly used in research; VER = electrophysiologic test that can confirm severe acuity loss.
Source & currency: 20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, App. 1, 2.02 (eCFR, current as of Aug. 2025); SSA Blue Book 2.00A5. eCFR Social Security
Under Listing 2.02, a Social Security Disability Lawyer can help establish statutory blindness by proving that, even with the best possible correction, vision in the better eye is 20/200 or worse. Strong clinical testing, consistent medical records, and clear documentation of the underlying cause of vision loss can significantly strengthen your case and improve your chances of meeting this visual impairment listing.