Losing one’s vision is one of the scariest health issues imaginable because we rely on our vision so often every day. But in the United States alone, over 32 million adults deal with some form of vision loss.
While causes can vary and are often degenerative, conditions like a stroke, severe infection, retinal detachment, and injury can also cause problems quickly.
When it comes to conditions that worsen over time, your best defense is to keep up with your routine annual eye exams, so any issues have a chance to be spotted early.
Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has details on four common causes of vision loss.
- Cataracts
Cataracts form as you age, clouding the lens of the eye. Fortunately, surgeries to remove cataracts are one of the most common procedures in the United States now, so even if they do lead to a loss of vision, it’s almost always temporary now. Signs and symptoms to watch for include cloudy vision, double vision, and problems with glare or seeing halos around lights.
- Macular Degeneration
This the most common reason for vision loss in those over 50 and typically affects people older than 60. It typically affects what’s called your central vision, which is what your eyes focus on. It can occur in one of both eyes and also either develop slowly or rapidly.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
This is a common side-effect of diabetes, as high levels of blood sugar damage blood vessels behind the eye and can cause permanent damage. There aren’t many obvious signs, but one is having less color intensity in your vision. If you are diabetic, it’s even more crucial to get regular eye exams.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which is located in the back of the eye, and can cause vision loss or blindness, especially in those over 60. It’s similar to macular degeneration but can affect different parts of your vision—typically your peripheral vision, causing a condition commonly called tunnel vision. There are often no early symptoms before damage occurs, so again, be sure to get routine eye examinations.
To learn more about Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://richmond-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
