Lifestyle

Published on March 24th, 2023 | by admin

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What Are the Common Causes of Blindness?

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Blindness is a medical condition that encompasses loss of vision, which can either be partial or total. It can also be a condition that eyeglasses and contact lenses can no longer correct. Any person can become blind because different factors can result in blindness.

There are four types of blindness: cortical-cerebral visual impairment, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity. Each type differs in severity and directly affects the person’s way of life. Glaucoma is another group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, several treatments are available to care for people experiencing glaucoma. There are remedies such as cold compress, eyedrops, lifestyle changes, and laser for glaucoma patients who need such a procedure. Laser surgery is safe and is a good alternative for newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma.

However, there are several common causes of blindness you need to know. In addition, regular visits to your eye doctor would help prevent the onset of blindness, so it’s best to be ready.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that blurs central vision. This occurs when advanced age causes damage to the macula or the part of the eye that controls sharp vision. The macula is in the retina. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for adults, and although it doesn’t cause complete blindness, it can make it harder to see faces, drive a car, read books, or do other household chores efficiently.

Injections, vitamins and minerals, and photodynamic therapy are among the things people with AMD can do to manage their condition.

Cataract

A cataract happens when the lens becomes cloudy, which makes it difficult to see as things become blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, as doctors consider it a normal occurrence after you reach 40. People who have a family history of cataracts, have diabetes mellitus, have an extensive history of smoking, spend much time under the sun or have a history of eye surgery or injury are more prone to contracting cataracts.

Those with cataracts can be given prescription glasses, but ultimately, they can undergo laser surgery to remedy the situation efficiently.

Diabetic retinopathy

People with diabetes must be wary of complications that affect their eyes, as diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications brought about by the illness. Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, and these vessels begin to swell, leak or close, impeding blood from passing through. Other times, abnormal blood vessels envelop the retina, leading to vision loss.

Those with diabetic retinopathy can manage their condition with laser surgery, medicines, and vitrectomy.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerves, leading to blind spots and vision loss. When the aqueous humor cannot flow properly, it increases the pressure in the eye, which leads to the optic nerves being compromised. Glaucoma can be open-angle or closed-angle, and while it can be treated by eyedrops, medication, and laser surgery, it can affect people’s way of life.

Endnotes 

Blindness is a common medical problem that you can prevent. You must take care of your eyes and avoid injuries to ensure that you don’t lose your vision.

 


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