This article discusses the types of vision loss, and their symptoms and causes. It explains treatment, prevention, and outlook for vision loss, and answers some frequently asked questions.
There are multiple types of vision loss, based on what part of vision is affected.
Types of vision loss include:
- Central vision loss: Central vision is the ability to see straight ahead and the surrounding detail. Central vision loss is a loss or impairment to this range of vision.
- Peripheral vision loss: Peripheral vision is the ability to see the sides of the visual field. Loss of peripheral vision impairs this ability, and leaves central vision intact.
- General vision loss: General vision loss refers to a decrease or impairment in both central and peripheral vision.
- Color perception loss: Color perception loss refers to a decreased ability to distinguish colors or their intensity.
- Night blindness: This refers to a decrease or impairment in the ability to see in the dark or low light conditions.
- Blurred or hazy vision: Blurry vision can make your vision seem out of focus, making it difficult to see clearly or sharply.
It is possible to experience more than one type of vision loss at once. Vision loss can also be partial, affecting only some aspects of vision, or complete. You may experience loss of vision in one eye, or in both eyes, depending on the cause.
Transient vision loss
Transient vision loss refers to episodes of temporary or reversible vision loss lasting
Sudden vision loss
Sudden vision loss is impairment that occurs anywhere from
Sudden vision loss usually is a medical emergency and requires immediate clinical attention.
Gradual vision loss
Gradual vision loss refers to the slow and progressive loss of vision that can occur over a period of weeks or years.
Symptoms of vision impairment or loss can include:
- blurry or cloudy vision in certain parts of the vision, such as peripheral vision
- blurry or cloudy areas that get bigger over time
- blank spots of vision or complete absence of vision
- wavy appearance of straight lines
- vision that is affected by flashing lights
- floaters, specks in the visual field
- difficulty seeing in low lighting
- vision that seems out of focus
- colors appearing less bright than before
- difficulty reading or seeing objects from far away
- pain, redness in the eye, and headache that accompanies vision changes
- bleeding from the eye
Sudden and gradual vision loss can be painless.
In general, it is advisable to get a routine eye exam at least once every 2 years. This is if you have no underlying conditions or symptoms.
However, doctors recommend eye exams more often if someone is at risk for conditions that affect eye health. Conditions such as diabetes are often asymptomatic in the early stages. For example, the
If you notice gradual changes to your vision, seek prompt care from an ophthalmologist.
When is vision loss an emergency?
Clinicians consider sudden vision loss to be a medical emergency. Seek emergency care or call 911 for any symptoms of vision impairment, or changes to vision, that occur suddenly.
Additionally, seek emergency care for:
- vision changes or symptoms that occur alongside other symptoms of illness, such as:
- unexplained severe headache
- numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg
- confusion
- difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- difficulty walking
- dizziness
- loss of balance or coordination
- vision changes or symptoms if you have any other underlying conditions
- possible or suspected injury to the eye or surrounding area
Some vision loss can be a typical part of aging.
However, clinical conditions can cause vision loss. These conditions include:
- keratitis
- eye strain and computer vision syndrome
- uveitis
- trauma, damage, or infection to the eyes or optic nerve, such as from conjunctivitis, optic neuritis, or injury
- papilledema, swelling of the optic disc
- blood clotting or blood vessel conditions, such as:
- stroke
- vasospasm, narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain
- thromboembolism, obstruction of blood flow by a blood clot from another part of the body
- retinal vascular occlusion
- migraine, such as complex or retinal migraine
- occipital epilepsy
Some conditions may cause the onset of vision loss over a long time period, such as
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that occur when the optic nerve experiences damage. Glaucoma can occur due to poor drainage of fluid in the eye. This causes an increase in pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
- Macular degeneration: The macula is a small region of the central retina. The macula helps you see details such as writing or faces clearly. Macular degeneration refers to the macula becoming thinner or experiencing damage. Age-related deterioration can cause macular degeneration.
- Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the eyes.
- Cataract: Cataract refers to changes in the clarity of the lens of the eye that impair vision. Cataracts
can be treatable Trusted Source National Eye Institute Governmental authority Go to source with surgery.
According to the
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the principal way to detect these conditions in their early stages.
Learn more about diabetic retinopathy, including its causes, treatment, and outlook.
Treatment for vision loss varies depending on your personal condition, the type of loss, and the underlying cause.
For example, treatment for vision loss resulting from vasospasm may include medications such as aspirin or calcium channel blockers.
In addition to medications, general treatment options can include:
- eye drops
- injections of medications, such as corticosteroids or anti-VEGF drugs, to the eye
- laser treatment
- photodynamic therapy, which combines injections with laser treatments
- surgery
Treatments such as injections or surgery will use anesthetics to eliminate pain.
Your doctor can support you and advise you on adjustments to make if you have impaired vision.
Read more about coping with vision impairment due to macular degeneration.
The
- Visit your eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
- Maintain your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, particularly if you have diabetes.
- Maintain a moderate weight.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking.
- Wear protective eyewear while carrying out physical activities.
- Wear sunglasses that block out 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Rest your eyes while using a digital screen, such as a computer, by taking breaks every 20 minutes.
- Clean your hands and contact lenses properly if you use them.
Also be aware of whether you may be at high risk for developing an eye condition. You may be at risk if you:
- have another underlying condition, such as diabetes
- have a family history of eye conditions
- are overweight or obese
- smoke
If you are at high risk, it is important to have regular appointments with your eye doctor. In addition, you can work with your primary care doctor to manage these risks.
Some causes of vision loss
Other conditions which cause permanent damage may not be reversible. Such conditions can include:
- permanent injury or eye trauma
- macular degeneration
- glaucoma
- diabetic retinopathy
In some cases, it may be possible
For your individual outlook, contact your doctor.
William C. Lloyd III, M.D., FACS, has reviewed the following frequently asked questions.
Is vision loss curable?
The outlook for vision loss varies from case to case, depending on the underlying cause and the nature of the vision loss.
Some causes of vision loss, such as migraine or keratitis, can be temporary or treatable. Other causes, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, are not curable. However, some treatments can prevent further loss of vision.
What diseases can cause vision loss?
One of the
Other conditions which cause vision loss can include:
- migraine
- eye strain
- keratitis
- conjunctivitis
- optic neuritis
- diabetic retinopathy
- macular degeneration
- glaucoma
- cardiovascular conditions
Can stress cause vision loss?
Researchers from a
Additionally, stress can trigger migraine in some people, and some types of migraine can cause temporary vision loss.
Vision loss can be partial or general, and sudden or gradual.
Some causes of vision loss are resolvable. Causes such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are not curable. However, treatment can slow or prevent further damage.
There may not be obvious symptoms with some causes of vision loss. Therefore, it is important to visit an eye doctor for regular eye examinations.
Seek emergency treatment for sudden vision loss or for vision loss that occurs with other symptoms or underlying conditions.
