Vision is one of the basic senses that individuals have. Congenital blindness is different from the vision loss that is being discussed. Vision loss refers to the condition where you had normal vision before and there are underlying causes that result in this occurrence.
Vision loss can be complete or partial. Complete vision loss involves both eyes while partial involves only one eye or certain parts in the visual field. It can occur all of a sudden or gradually over time.
An eye examination should be done yearly to check on your eye’s health. Early detection for eye diseases and conditions is important to provide adequate treatment and avoid further damage that can cause vision loss.
Common Causes of Vision Loss
There are a variety of conditions that affect the eye that causes vision loss. The common cause of vision loss is associated with aging.
These are the following causes of vision loss:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Bacterial infection
- CMV Retinitis
- Corneal scars
- Eye tumor
- Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
- Medications
- Onchocerciasis
- Stargardt’s Disease
- Toxins/Poisoning
- Viral Infections of the Eye
- Vitamin A Deficiency
Common Symptoms of Vision Loss
The occurrence of the symptoms can be gradual or sudden. It is important to observe the eye changes that you are experiencing such as the following:
- Sudden eye pain
- Sudden light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Flashes of light
- Floaters
- Halos or rainbows around lights
- Decrease in vision
- Itchy eyes
- Burning eyes
- Red eyes
- White areas in the pupil
- Changes in the color of the eye
Visit your doctor if you experience this kind of vision problem to know the cause behind this occurrence.
Treatments for Vision Loss
Vision loss is irreversible but there are available options for treatment that can slow the development of eye disease. The best way to treat vision loss is a team approach of different specialists that includes:
- An ophthalmologist that will treat eye disease that causes vision problems
- An optometrist that will manage vision problems
- A doctor that specializes in low vision prescribes optical aids
- A physical therapist that will help you with balance and walking problem especially if you need to use a cane
- A social therapist that will help you to cope with the emotional problems that are associated with vision loss
There are many available corrective tools that can help when you are losing your vision progressively.
