Typical Causes of Low Vision
Sunday, September 15th, 2019, 5:57 am
One of the most important sensory organs in the body is that of the eyes. Taking in our surroundings with visual inputs can help us navigate the world around us. When problems occurs with the human eye, it can be extremely detrimental to our overall quality of life. Vision loss that occurs and cannot be corrected with medication, surgery, or prescription eyewear is commonly referred to as “low vision.” Low vision is diagnosed when the stronger eye has less than 20/70 vision.
What causes low vision?
Many patients who have been diagnosed with low vision are interested in learning what has caused their condition. There are several reasons why this condition may develop. Common risk factors that increase one’s chances of developing low vision include:
- AMD (age-related macular degeneration) – as patients age, their vision can naturally change due to deterioration of the macula. Macular degeneration can impact the ability for patients to read, drive, and recognize others, often causing a blind spot to develop in the center of one’s vision.
- Glaucoma – glaucoma is an eye disorder that can cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss. It is often a result of high internal fluid pressure in the eye caused by a build-up. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness to adults in the United States.
- RP (Reinitis pigmentosa) – damage to the light-sensitive cells in the eyes can destroy one’s night vision and peripheral vision. This inherited disease may develop in the teenager or early adult years and can lead to total blindness by 40.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) – lazy eye is not due to an actual eye problem, but can develop in children and is often detected by the age of 6-years-old. Early diagnosis and correction can reverse this condition, but if left untreated, it can become impossible to address in adulthood.
- Diabetic retinopathy – patients with diabetes should work with their eyecare provider to ensure they are managing their condition properly to avoid diabetic retinopathy which can lead to total blindness without treatment.
- Cataracts – cataract result in cloudy vision and loss of vision over time. It may be caused by UV rays, genetics, disease, or injury. However, most patients who experience this condition are of advancing age may require surgery to address the problem.
- TBI (traumatic brain injury) – patients who have experienced a TBI may be at an increased risk of developing low vision, and should be assessed regularly by an eye physician to monitor their eye health.
Connect with Marion Eye Center and Optical
With over 35 locations in and around the areas of Illinois and Missouri, the professionals at Marion Eye Center and Optical can provide quality, comprehensive care for patients who want to maintain the health of their vision. Call one of our practices to book a consultation visit with our team and undergo an examination.
Category: Eye Exam
