Classification - Athletes Who Are Blind

Classification of Athletes Who Are Blind

The classifications used for blind and visually impaired athletes who participate in Paralympic competition are based upon the three-class system developed by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA). All classifications are in the better eye with best correction. For further information, go to the IPC web site at http://www.paralympic.org; click on "sports," then "classification," then "athletes with blindness. Or consult the IBSA web site at http://www.ibsa.es; click on "rules and documents," then "classification B1, B2, and B3."

Class	Description
B1	From no light perception at all in either eye up to and including the ability to perceive light, with the inability to recognize objects or contours in any direction and at any distance.
B2	Ability to recognize objects or contours up to a distance of 2 meters that a person with normal vision can see at 60 meters (i.e., below 2/60 vision) and/or field of vision less than 5 degrees.
B3	Can recognize objects or contours between 2 and 6 meters away that a person with normal vision can see at 60 meters (i.e., 2/60 to 6/60 vision) and/or field of vision between 5 and 20 degrees.