Vision loss can either happen entirely or partially in one eye or both. Depending on the situation, it can also occur gradually (as is in the case of cataracts) or at once. That’s why it’s essential to know everything about losing your vision, including what to look for before it happens.
What Do You Need to Know About Losing Your Vision?
You need to know the following about vision loss to prevent it or maintain an everyday life after it has occurred.
There Are Many Types of Vision Loss
Most people assume that vision loss refers to complete blindness when that is not always the case. In some situations, vision loss can be partial. Some partial vision loss includes peripheral vision loss, which affects your ability to see the things on the side of your visual field. This type of partial impairment often leaves the central vision untouched.
Another partial vision loss is night blindness which affects your eye’s ability to work perfectly in the dark.
Symptoms of Vision Loss Can be Painless
Most symptoms of vision loss are painless. If you have trouble with everyday tasks like reading mail, watching television, writing your name, or taking the stairs, you may have visual problems. In addition, you may have problems recognizing familiar faces and find it difficult to see things clearly without squinting.
You Can Discover Problems Early with Routine Eye Checks
The general recommendation is that the doctor examines your eyes at least once every two years, assuming no other symptoms or disorders are at play.
Eye exams are essential for everyone, but those at higher risk for disorders that influence eye health should have them more frequently. This includes diabetic people, and that’s why patients with diabetes should get a complete dilated eye exam at least once a year, as the National Eye Institute (NEI) recommended.
Consult an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any subtle vision changes.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Treatment for Vision Loss
Each case of vision loss is unique, as are the treatments used to treat them. Medications like calcium channel blockers and aspirin are sometimes used to correct vision loss caused by vasospasm.
Some other treatments include eye drops, laser treatment, injections to the eye, surgery, and recovery therapy that mixes laser and injections.
You Can Prevent Vision Loss
Depending on the root cause, you can prevent vision loss. For instance, by warding off type 2 diabetes,, you can avoid developing diabetic retinopathy. In addition, wearing polarized sunglasses outdoors may reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Nevertheless, age-related vision loss is typically unavoidable.
