What Causes Vision Loss?

Sight is considered one of the most important senses that humans possess. It provides us with approximately 80 percent of the information that we absorb from the outside world. As our lives progress, it’s our responsibility to preserve our vision and do everything possible to ensure that it doesn’t deteriorate. Annual eye exams and healthy habits will prevent three of the most common reasons why individuals experience vision loss: cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Cataracts

Cataracts tend to develop when the lens of the eye loses the ability to transmit images from the environment around us to the retinas. The lenses of your eyes are composed of proteins that have the ability to transform over time to allow less light through. The main cause of cataracts is the ultraviolet portion of sunlight.

The development of cataracts is a slow process that diminishes clarity, color and night vision. However, there are treatment options for this condition, one of the latest being intraocular implants.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects central vision and can directly impact daily activities, such as reading and driving. It can occur at different levels from moderate to severe and develops slowly throughout a person’s lifetime.

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is a slow process that can cause blank spots in the central vision. Wet macular degeneration is when new blood vessels form under the dry areas causing blood and serum to leak out of the eye. If wet macular degeneration is left untreated, it can cause major vision loss. The treatment for this includes prescribed medication, photodynamic therapy or photocoagulation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage first results in the loss of peripheral vision and eventually causes an increase in intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can ultimately lead to blindness.

Glaucoma is a treatable disease with the application of eye drops, laser treatments and eye surgery.

CorrectVision Laser Institute is one of Florida’s most advanced vision correction practices and has extensive experience in laser eye surgery. Our goal is to open your eyes to the world of great vision by offering unparalleled expertise and the most advanced technology available. Contact us today for a consultation!