A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Vision Loss: Vision loss is any reduction in the ability to see including blurred vision, cloudy vision, double vision, blind spots, poor night vision and loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). Vision loss may affect one or both eyes.

It may occur gradually or suddenly and it may be partial or complete. Vision changes may originate in the eyes themselves or may be caused by many different conditions that affect the brain or even the whole body.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – where the central part of the back of the eye (the macula, which plays an important role in central vision) stops working properly.

Cataracts – where cloudy patches can form within the lenses of the eyes.

Glaucoma – where fluid builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve (which relays information from the eye to the brain).

Diabetic retinopathy – where blood vessels that supply the eye become damaged from a build-up of glucose

If you already have visual impairment, it is still important to have a regular eye test, as your optometrist can monitor for further changes in the eyes and advise on making best use of your vision. 

MACULAR DEGENERATION