There are very many types of vision disturbances and eye problems. These include halos, blurred vision, blind spots and floaters.

Blindness and total / partial loss of vision are the most severe of these problems.

Eye care demands diligence

Regular eye exams are necessary for detecting glaucoma and other serious diseases that do not leave any symptoms during the initial stages. If these conditions go undetected, they will cause severe problems in the future.

Impaired vision

Vision impairment can be caused by several different conditions. These include:

Presbyopia

This condition makes it difficult to focus on objects which are close. Presbyopia mainly affects people in their early 40s.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the cloudiness over the lens. Cataracts make you sensitive to glare and also reduce your ability to see in the darkness. This condition mainly affects the elderly.

Glaucoma

If the fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, it will lead to pressure in the eyes. This pressure will eventually damage the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes. Glaucoma does not have any symptoms during the initial stage. However, as the condition progresses, you will develop poor nighttime vision, blind spots and partial or total loss of vision. Glaucoma which happens suddenly is an emergency medical situation.

Diabetic eye disease

Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss. Macular degeneration, a condition that commonly affects the diabetic, causes blurred vision and loss of central vision. This is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

Eye infections, inflammation or injury can also lead to change in vision.

Floaters

These are tiny sparks of light that drift inside the eye. Floaters are often confused with the symptoms of retinal detachment.

Night blindness

This condition mainly affects children. A diet deficient in vitamin A is the number one cause of night blindness.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment can cause blindness. Symptoms include floaters, or the sensation of a curtain being pulled across your visual field.

Migraine headaches

Before the start of a migraine attack, you may see halos, spots of light or zigzag patterns.

Optic neuritis

This is caused by the inflammation of the optic nerve. Infections or multiple sclerosis can lead to optic neuritis. Your eyes may be sensitive to touch. Eye movements may also cause pain.

Temporal arteritis

This condition is caused by the inflammation of the blood vessel in the brain which supplies blood to the optic nerve.

Other conditions that can affect your vision include the following:

  •    Brain tumor
  •    Stroke or TIA
  •    Bleeding in the eye

Don’t hesitate to see your eye doctor if you experience problems with your vision.