Common Causes of Vision Loss

There are a variety of reasons as to why you may be losing your vision. It is natural for us to lose some of our vision as we age. It is also important to remember that any two people, even with the same visual condition, may be affected differently and that a person’s vision may fluctuate from day to day. That is why we recommend you see your optometrist at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo. We can give you the proper diagnoses and recommendations for your vision loss. Below are some of the common causes of vision loss to give you a better idea.

Cataracts

Cataracts is when the lens—the part of the eye directly behind the pupil—becomes opaque, a cataract has developed. This clouding usually occurs first in the central vision and then extends outward. Cataracts associated with aging are the most common. There also are cataracts that exist at birth, secondary cataracts due to disease and cataracts that follow injury to the eye. Surgery is the sole treatment, and this simple procedure usually is successful.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a symptom of diabetes. Vision loss comes when weakened blood vessels in the retina, a paper-thin tissue that lines the back of the eye rupture and bleed into the eye. This causes blurred vision and may have a reddish tint. As the tiny ruptures heal, scars form that can damage the retina. The National Eye Institute reports vision loss from diabetes can be prevented 90 percent of the time with early detection and regular dilated eye exams.

Glaucoma

Normally there is a constant production and drainage of fluid (aqueous humor), which gives the eye its shape and keeps the eye lubricated. But if excess fluid is produced, or if the drainage system falters, pressure increases in the eye. Eventually, this damages the optic nerve, which carries visual signals to the brain causing glaucoma. The gradual loss of sight begins on the outer edge, affecting peripheral vision. Rare acute glaucoma is characterized by severe headache or eye pain, and sudden loss of vision.

Getting yearly exams from your optometrist at Utah Valley Eye Center in Provo can help you to determine the cause of your vision loss. If your treatment includes LASIK we can easily provide you with that surgery. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.