Changes in vision can be sudden or slowly progressive.
Vision can become dark, distorted, or obscured. Sometimes only the central vision, side vision, night vision, or color vision is affected.
Vision loss can occur for many different reasons and a thorough assessment with specialized testing can help to identify the cause.
Most of the causes of vision loss can be treated so it is important to be seen quickly.
Vision loss is the temporary or permanent reduction of sight. Numerous conditions can lead to loss of vision when not addressed, dramatically affecting your quality of life. Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause can prevent permanent vision loss. See the experts at Main Line Retina at the first sign of new or unusual vision changes.
Types of vision loss include:
Peripheral vision loss affects your ability to see the sides of your vision field. However, your central vision may remain intact.
Central vision loss affects the ability to see things straight ahead of you or the middle part of your vision.
Color perception loss reduces the ability to see different colors or their intensities.
General vision loss describes an impairment in both peripheral and central vision.
Night blindness lessens your ability to see well in dark environments, such as driving at night.
Blurred vision makes objects in your line of vision appear blurry, hazy, or cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly.
Transient vision loss is temporary or reversible and can affect one or both eyes.
Sudden vision impairment occurs rapidly after just a few days, minutes, or even seconds.
Symptoms of vision loss may include:
You may have problems seeing objects from far away or close up, notice floaters or missing spots in your vision, or develop redness or pain in your eyes.
The following conditions could cause vision loss: an eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy), eye injuries, or medical conditions like a stroke, epilepsy, or migraines.
Diagnosing vision loss and its cause requires a comprehensive eye exam and vision testing.
Treating vision loss may include:
It’s also crucial to protect your eyes from the sun and injuries, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and properly manage diabetes or other chronic diseases.
At the first sign of vision loss, make sure you are seen quickly for the best chance to recover your vision and to prevent further loss of vision.