How can you identify early signs of vision loss. What are the most common symptoms indicating potential blindness. When should you seek immediate medical attention for eye problems. What preventive measures can help preserve your eyesight.

Understanding the Global Impact of Visual Impairment

Visual impairment is a widespread issue affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 250 million people globally struggle with visual impairment. Alarmingly, up to 80% of these cases could have been prevented with timely intervention. This statistic underscores the critical importance of regular eye examinations and prompt medical attention for any vision-related concerns.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial, even before experiencing minor vision changes. These examinations can be instrumental in diagnosing progressive eye problems like glaucoma, which often presents few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent vision loss.

Recognizing Potential Signs of Retinal Detachment

While some vision changes may be benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. A combination of the following symptoms could indicate retinal detachment, a serious condition requiring urgent care:

• Sudden increase in floaters
• Appearance of a gray curtain or shadow in your field of vision
• Flashing lights

Retinal detachment occurs when the layer of nerves at the back of the eye separates from its normal position. This nerve layer is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Risk factors for retinal detachment include blunt trauma, diabetes, and nearsightedness. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

How is retinal detachment treated?

Retinal detachment typically requires surgical intervention. The specific procedure depends on the severity and location of the detachment. Common surgical approaches include:

1. Pneumatic retinopexy: Injecting a gas bubble into the eye to push the retina back into place
2. Scleral buckle: Attaching a silicone band around the eye to relieve pressure on the retina
3. Vitrectomy: Removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a gas bubble to help the retina reattach

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of preserving vision.

Decoding Eye Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

While many eye conditions are painless, persistent or severe eye pain should never be ignored. Eye pain can be a symptom of various conditions, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical emergencies. Some conditions associated with eye pain include:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Eye cancer
• Corneal abrasions
• Uveitis
• Optic neuritis

Eye pain following an injury is particularly concerning and requires immediate medical evaluation. Persistent pain lasting more than 20 minutes, especially when accompanied by redness or vision changes, necessitates prompt attention from an eye care professional.

Can eye pain be a sign of a more serious condition?

Yes, eye pain can indeed signal underlying health issues beyond the eye itself. For instance, severe eye pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting could indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency that can lead to rapid vision loss if left untreated. Additionally, eye pain with fever and light sensitivity might suggest orbital cellulitis, a serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye.

Sudden Vision Loss: Causes and Implications

Sudden vision loss is a critical symptom that demands immediate medical attention. This alarming change can be caused by various conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Retinal detachment
• Optic nerve problems
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Giant cell arteritis

Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 65 in many developed countries, typically progresses gradually. However, in some cases, it can lead to sudden vision changes. This occurs when blood vessels under the retina leak fluid or blood, damaging the nerves responsible for vision.

Is sudden vision loss always permanent?

The permanence of sudden vision loss depends on its underlying cause and how quickly treatment is initiated. Some causes, like certain types of retinal detachment or optic nerve inflammation, may be reversible if addressed promptly. However, conditions like advanced AMD or severe stroke-related vision loss may result in permanent damage. This underscores the critical importance of seeking immediate medical care for any sudden changes in vision.

Blurry Vision: When to Worry

Blurry vision is a common complaint that can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a serious underlying condition. While temporary blurriness might be caused by eye strain or fatigue, persistent or recurring blurry vision warrants investigation. Potential causes of blurry vision include:

• Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Migraine auras
• Certain medications

It’s important to note that blurry vision affecting only one eye can be particularly concerning. Unilateral vision changes could indicate problems with blood flow to the eye, such as a blocked carotid artery, which is a risk factor for stroke.

How can you differentiate between normal and concerning blurry vision?

While occasional, brief episodes of blurry vision might be normal, certain characteristics should prompt medical evaluation:

• Sudden onset of blurry vision
• Blurriness accompanied by eye pain or headaches
• Persistent blurriness that doesn’t improve with blinking or eye rest
• Blurry vision affecting only one eye
• Blurriness associated with flashes of light or new floaters

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult an eye care professional promptly.

The Impact of Eye Injuries on Vision

Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to severe trauma with the potential for permanent vision loss. The severity of an eye injury often determines its impact on vision and the urgency of medical care required. Common types of eye injuries include:

• Corneal abrasions
• Chemical burns
• Blunt trauma
• Penetrating injuries
• Ultraviolet (UV) damage

Any significant injury to the eye should be evaluated by a medical professional, especially if accompanied by persistent pain, redness, or vision changes. Prompt treatment can often prevent complications and preserve vision.

What immediate steps should be taken after an eye injury?

In the event of an eye injury, follow these steps while seeking medical attention:

1. Do not rub or apply pressure to the injured eye
2. Avoid attempting to remove any object stuck in the eye
3. For chemical injuries, flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes
4. Cover the injured eye with a clean, rigid shield to prevent further damage
5. Seek immediate medical care, preferably from an ophthalmologist

Remember, even seemingly minor eye injuries can have serious consequences if not properly treated.

Contact Lens Complications: Recognizing Warning Signs

While contact lenses are generally safe when used properly, improper use or maintenance can lead to eye health issues. Most contact lens wearers experience no problems, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential complications. Warning signs that may indicate contact lens-related problems include:

• Persistent eye discomfort or pain
• Redness or irritation
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Feeling of something stuck in the eye

These symptoms could signal various issues, from minor irritations to serious infections like bacterial keratitis. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your contact lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional.

How can contact lens wearers minimize their risk of complications?

To reduce the risk of contact lens-related eye problems, follow these best practices:

1. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
2. Clean and store lenses as directed by your eye care professional
3. Replace lenses and lens cases as recommended
4. Never sleep in contact lenses unless specifically approved by your doctor
5. Avoid exposing lenses to water, including while swimming or showering
6. Don’t wear lenses longer than prescribed
7. Attend regular eye check-ups to monitor your eye health

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of contact lens-related complications and maintain healthy eyes.

Preventive Measures to Preserve Eye Health

While some vision problems are unavoidable, many can be prevented or their progression slowed through proactive measures. Incorporating these practices into your lifestyle can help maintain optimal eye health:

• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
• Protect your eyes from UV radiation with sunglasses and hats
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes
• Practice good hygiene, especially if you wear contact lenses
• Take regular breaks when using digital devices (follow the 20-20-20 rule)
• Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke
• Control chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
• Use appropriate eye protection during sports or hazardous activities

By prioritizing eye health and being vigilant about potential warning signs, you can significantly reduce your risk of vision loss and maintain clear, comfortable vision throughout your life.

How often should adults have comprehensive eye exams?

The frequency of comprehensive eye exams depends on various factors, including age, overall health, and existing vision problems. Generally:

• Adults aged 20-39: Every 2-4 years
• Adults aged 40-54: Every 2-3 years
• Adults aged 55-64: Every 1-2 years
• Adults 65 and older: Annually

However, individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or existing vision problems may need more frequent examinations. Always follow the recommendations of your eye care professional regarding the appropriate examination schedule for your specific needs.

9 Vision Loss Symptoms That Could Be Signs You’re Going Blind

Throughout our lives, we will experience mild vision changes that may be rather inconvenient and even painful but aren’t signs of going blind or other serious vision issues.

Dry eyes and eye strain are common problems that may resolve on their own and don’t mean that we are losing vision. 

However, in some cases, flashing lights, eye pain, and even seemingly harmful things like floaters can be signs of more serious problems, signaling that you need a prompt visit to your eye health expert. In those cases, visiting Dr. Steven Stetson and his team of eye care professionals should be your top priority.

That being said, problems like sudden vision changes, losing vision, and eye pain shouldn’t be ignored as they can be signs you’re going blind.

Vision Loss by the Numbers

On a global scale, around 250 million people have to deal with visual impairment, according to the WHO’s (World Health Organization) data. What’s more troubling is the fact that around 80% of these cases could have been prevented if attended timely.

This is why visiting your doctor for eye exams regularly is so crucial. Even before experiencing minor vision changes, checkups can be imperative in diagnosing progressing eye problems like glaucoma. This is a rather common vision problem that only produces a few minor symptoms in its earliest stages.

On the other hand, visiting the doctor should be mandatory in the case of sudden vision changes and eye pain. On that end, here’s a list of symptoms you should ignore because, in some cases, they might be signs you’re going blind.

1. Floaters, Gray Shadows in Your Vision, and Flashing Lights

While floaters aren’t apparent symptoms that signal you’re losing vision, if there are a lot of them, accompanied by a sudden onset of a gray curtain in your vision field with flashing lights, you should see your doctor right away. These symptoms can signal a rather serious condition, the detachment of your retina. This happens when the layer of nerves in the backside of your eye detaches. This nerve layer is responsible for sending images to your brain, enabling you to see. 

Blunt trauma, as well as conditions like diabetes and nearsightedness all increase the risk of retinal detachment. Once it happens, it should be addressed with surgery as fast as possible, as the condition can cause blindness.

That being said, if you ever experience the above-mentioned vision changes, visit your eye expert as soon as possible.

2. Eye Pain

In most cases, eye diseases are painless, but there are conditions that can cause pain. Especially after suffering a serious eye injury, pain and vision changes shouldn’t be ignored and must be reported to a doctor as quickly as possible. On the other hand, other conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma, eye cancer, and a scratched cornea can all cause eye pain.

3. Losing Vision in of Your Eyes

When you’re suddenly losing vision, the underlying problems can be many. For instance, sudden vision loss can be caused by AMD or age-related macular degeneration. This is the leading vision loss cause in people over the age of 65 in the country. If you’ve heard about macular degeneration already, then you know that the symptoms are gradual in most cases. However, vision loss can also happen suddenly. When the eye’s blood vessels leak blood or fluid under the retina, it can damage the nerves that enable you to see.

When there’s a rapid fluid buildup in the eye, the pressure can damage the optic nerve. Also, a type of glaucoma can also lead to sudden vision changes, i.e., vision loss. At the same time, there are several other conditions that may lead to vision loss.

4. Blurry Vision

In most cases, blurry vision isn’t among the signs you’re going blind. However, in rarer cases, even when the blur clears up, it can signal several eye problems, like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, a torn retina, uveitis, and more. Also, losing vision in one of your eyes can signal other problems, like suffering a stroke. When vision loss happens to only one eye, it could mean that the carotid artery is blocked. The carotid artery is the largest blood supplier to the eyes, and the buildup can cut off the blood flow to the eyes.

5. Eye Injury

As we’ve talked about this before, eye injuries can lead to losing vision and sudden vision changes, depending on their severity.

On that end, more significant and severe injuries to the eyes should always be checked by a professional, especially if the pain persists for more than 20 minutes and it’s accompanied by redness.

6. Eye Discomfort when Wearing Contact Lenses

The majority of people who wear contacts don’t experience any problems, let alone vision loss symptoms. However, if wearers don’t follow the basics of proper lens maintenance, use, and care, they can contract serious infections. That being said, if you experience any vision loss symptoms, pain, discomfort, or redness because of wearing contacts, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

7. Constant Eye Discomfort

When you are experiencing persistent discomfort in your eyes or eye, this may be due to a small particle that might have entered the eye. This can happen when you’re working with a hammer, under a car, or performing other types of work. When this happens, never ignore it and visit a doctor as quickly as you can. An expert will have to evaluate your condition and take the necessary course of action. Foreign particles in your eyes can lead to vision changes, infection, and even more severe problems down the road. 

That being said, you should always wear protective eyewear while working.

8. Red Eyes

When it comes to red eyes, experts will usually say that it’s better to have both eyes affected by the problem than only one. When both of your eyes are red, chances are you’re dealing with pink eye or conjunctivitis, a self-healing, minor infection. However, when only one of the eyes is read, that could be a sign of more severe inflammation, more specifically scleritis. This is a condition that happens when the outer protective area of the eye gets inflamed. Uveitis can also cause redness in one eye only. This is when the middle coating of an eyeball becomes inflamed.

9. Complications from Eye Surgery

While complications following surgery are rare, they might happen. Blurry vision, redness, and eye pain after surgery should be immediately assessed by a professional. 

As a matter of fact, even if these problems go away, you should still tell them about your doctor to make sure everything’s fine.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

As you can see, being regular with your eye health appointments can go a long way in preserving your vision and in catching serious problems in their earliest stages, when they are the easiest to treat.  

Proper care and regular screenings are essential in keeping every aspect of your health in check. That being said, if you are looking for impeccable eye-care services, feel free to reach out to our experts.

Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & More

Overview

Blindness is the inability to see anything, including light.

If you’re partially blind, you have limited vision. For example, you may have blurry vision or the inability to distinguish the shapes of objects. Complete blindness means you can’t see at all.

Legal blindness refers to vision that’s highly compromised. What a person with regular vision can see from 200 feet away, a legally blind person can see from only 20 feet away.

Seek medical attention right away if you suddenly lose the ability to see. Have someone bring you to the emergency room for treatment. Don’t wait for your vision to return.

Depending on the cause of your blindness, immediate treatment may increase your chances for restoring your vision. Treatment may involve surgery or medication.

If you’re completely blind, you see nothing. If you’re partially blind, you might experience the following symptoms:

• cloudy vision
• an inability to see shapes
• seeing only shadows
• poor night vision
• tunnel vision

Symptoms of blindness in infants

Your child’s visual system begins to develop in the womb. It doesn’t fully form until about 2 years of age.

By 6 to 8 weeks of age, your baby should be able to fix their gaze on an object and follow its movement. By 4 months of age, their eyes should be properly aligned and not turned inward or outward.

The symptoms of visual impairment in young children can include:

• constant eye rubbing
• an extreme sensitivity to light
• poor focusing
• chronic eye redness
• chronic tearing from their eyes
• a white instead of black pupil
• poor visual tracking, or trouble following an object with their eyes
• abnormal eye alignment or movement after 6 months of age

The following eye diseases and conditions can cause blindness:

• Glaucoma refers to different eye conditions that can damage your optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eyes to your brain.
• Macular degeneration destroys the part of your eye that enables you to see details. It usually affects older adults.
• Cataracts cause cloudy vision. They’re more common in older people.
• A lazy eye can make it difficult to see details. It may lead to vision loss.
• Optic neuritis is inflammation that can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Retinitis pigmentosa refers to damage of the retina. It leads to blindness only in rare cases.
• Tumors that affect the retina or optic nerve can also cause blindness.

Blindness is a potential complication if you have diabetes or have a stroke. Other common causes of blindness include:

• birth defects
• eye injuries
• complications from eye surgery

Causes of blindness in infants

The following conditions can impair vision or cause blindness in infants:

• infections, such as pink eye
• blocked tear ducts
• cataracts
• strabismus (crossed eyes)
• amblyopia (lazy eye)
• ptosis (droopy eyelid)
• congenital glaucoma
• retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which occurs in premature babies when the blood vessels that supply their retina aren’t fully developed
• visual inattention, or delayed development of your child’s visual system

The following categories of people are at risk for blindness:

• people with eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma
• people with diabetes
• people who have a stroke
• people undergoing eye surgery
• people who work with or near sharp objects or toxic chemicals
• premature babies

A thorough eye exam by an optometrist will help determine the cause of your blindness or partial loss of vision.

Your eye doctor will administer a series of tests that measure:

• the clarity of your vision
• the function of your eye muscles
• how your pupils react to light

They’ll examine the general health of your eyes using a slit lamp. It’s a low-power microscope paired with a high-intensity light.

Diagnosing blindness in infants

A pediatrician will screen your baby for eye problems shortly after birth. At 6 months of age, have an eye doctor or pediatrician check your child again for visual acuity, focus, and eye alignment.

The doctor will look at your baby’s eye structures and see whether they can follow a light or colorful object with their eyes.

Your child should be able to pay attention to visual stimuli by 6 to 8 weeks of age. If your child doesn’t react to light shining in their eyes or focus on colorful objects by 2 to 3 months of age, have their eyes examined right away.

Have your child’s eyes examined if you notice crossed eyes or any other symptoms of impaired vision.

In some cases of vision impairment, one or more of the following may help restore vision:

• eyeglasses
• contact lenses
• surgery
• medication

If you experience partial blindness that can’t be corrected, your doctor will provide guidance on how to function with limited vision. For example, you can use a magnifying glass to read, increase the text size on your computer, and use audio clocks and audiobooks.

Complete blindness requires approaching life in a new way and learning new skills. For example, you may need to learn how to:

• read Braille
• use a guide dog
• organize your home so you can easily find things and stay safe
• fold money in distinct ways to distinguish bill amounts

You can also consider getting some adaptive products, like a specialized smartphone, color identifier, and accessible cookware. There’s even adaptive sporting equipment, like sensory soccer balls.

A person’s long-term outlook for restoring vision and slowing vision loss is better when treatment is preventive and sought immediately.

Surgery can effectively treat cataracts. They don’t necessarily result in blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are also important in cases of glaucoma and macular degeneration to help slow down or stop vision loss.

To detect eye diseases and help prevent vision loss, get regular eye examinations. If you receive a diagnosis of certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, treatment with medication can help prevent blindness.

To help prevent vision loss, the American Optometric Association recommends you have your child’s eyes examined:

• at 6 months of age
• at 3 years of age
• every year between 6 and 17 years old

If you notice symptoms of vision loss between routine visits, make an appointment with their eye doctor immediately.

How to understand that vision is beginning to deteriorate?

Visual impairment is one of the most common problems our patients face. Many of them, at the first symptoms of visual impairment, attribute this to ordinary overwork and do not consider it necessary to visit an ophthalmologist. But in vain, because the sooner you can find the cause of vision loss, the more likely it is to stop the deterioration of vision and restore it.

Decreased vision can be dramatic – from instantaneous and appearing in just a few days, to gradual, which occurs over months, and sometimes many years. Deterioration can be observed in one eye or both at once. When vision gradually decreases in only one eye, a person may not notice this for a long time, which leads to the progression of the disease and often to irreversible changes.

5 symptoms that indicate a deterioration in vision:

The outlines of objects in front of your eyes lose their clear contour, forcing you to squint. Many patients believe that this is due to overwork, but in fact this symptom may be the first manifestation of the development of an eye disease.

Headache. This symptom is also often attributed to ordinary fatigue, although it may indicate the development of visual pathology. Typically, a headache can be caused by excessive visual stress, the lack of properly selected vision correction (glasses), and sometimes even indicate the development of other diseases, such as glaucoma.

Double vision is also a symptom that indicates visual impairment, and not just overwork. Diplopia (in common words – double vision) can occur both in one eye and in both at once. Usually, diplopia can indicate the presence of diseases such as astigmatism, disorders of the oculomotor system (strabismus), and can also be a symptom of diseases that affect the central nervous system and the eyes at the same time.

Burning sensation, sand in the eyes, sensation of the presence of a foreign body, lacrimation or, conversely, dryness. All of these symptoms are a common complaint and can occur in a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, from dry eye syndrome to severe inflammatory processes that can lead to deterioration and loss of vision.

Floating flies, spots, cobwebs before the eyes are also symptoms of visual impairment. The appearance of such flies is associated with changes in the structure of the vitreous body, which liquefies with age and does not adhere so tightly to the retina, resulting in the sensation of floating flies in the field of view.

If you notice a decrease in vision, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, diagnostics of vision and establish the cause of its deterioration. It is impossible to carry out an eye examination on your own, therefore we recommend contacting a specialist.

The appointment begins with a conversation with a doctor to discuss all complaints and data on the patient’s medical history and life, the second stage is all the necessary diagnostics using modern and high-precision equipment. The appointment with the doctor takes about half an hour and takes place in comfortable conditions for the patient.

We invite you to consultation with the doctors of Expert Ophthalmology Doctor of Medical Sciences Maria Znamenskaya. Ophthalmologists of the clinic will diagnose vision, establish a diagnosis and select the best method of treatment.

Sudden loss of vision – causes, examination and treatment, optometrist | Symptoms

T transient ischemic attack (transient blindness)
Signs: Blindness in one eye, usually lasting minutes to hours.

Blockage of the central retinal artery
Signs: Almost instant complete loss of vision in one eye. In patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis (high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids or smoking).

Obstruction of the central retinal vein
Signs: In patients with risk factors for the development of the following diseases (diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, a tendency to increased blood clotting or sickle cell anemia).

Vitreous hemorrhage
Signs: People who see flies, filaments, or cobwebs in their field of vision (floaters) or who have risk factors for vitreous hemorrhage (diabetes, retinal perforation, sickle cell anemia, or eye trauma). Usually loss of the entire field of vision (not just one or more areas).

Giant cell (temporal) arteritis (inflammation of the large arteries of the head, neck and upper body)
Signs: Sometimes headache when combing hair or pain in the jaw or tongue when chewing, pain and stiffness of the large muscles of the arms and legs (polymyalgia rheumatica).

Ischemic optic neuropathy (damage to the optic nerve due to blockage of its blood vessels)
Signs: In patients with risk factors for such diseases (diabetes or high blood pressure) or in patients who have had episodes of very low blood pressure leading to fainting.

Macular hemorrhage (due to senile macular degeneration)
Signs: Usually in patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, or in patients with risk factors for diseases of the vascular system (high blood pressure, smoking, or abnormal levels of blood lipids).

Ocular migraine (migraine that causes visual impairment)
Signs: Irregular, flickering spots that slowly move across the field of view of one eye for 10 to 20 minutes. Sometimes blurring of central vision, headache after visual impairment. Often in young patients or in patients suffering from migraines.

Retinal detachment
Signs: Sudden spontaneous flashes of light that may look like lightning, spots or stars (photopsia) that happen from time to time. Loss of vision that occurs in one area, usually in the corners of the eye (peripheral vision). Loss of vision that spreads across the field of vision like a curtain. Occasionally occurs in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment (recent eye trauma, recent eye surgery, or high myopia).

Strokes or transient ischemic attacks
Signs: Usually loss of the same parts of the visual field in both eyes. In patients with risk factors for the development of such diseases (high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, abnormal blood lipid levels and smoking). Sometimes slurred speech, impaired eye movements, muscle weakness, and/or difficulty walking.

Angle-closure glaucoma
Signs: Severe pain and redness of the eye, headache, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light.