Vision loss affects millions of people worldwide and is a major cause for concern. While you don’t have to be visually impaired to be aware of it, it’s important for everyone to know the signs to look out for, just in case. If you or someone else begins to exhibit any of these 10 warning signs, a visit to the doctor is always advised. The earlier an eye problem is treated, the more likely the patient is to regain at least some of their sight. Learning to identify early symptoms can therefore potentially help save someone’s sight.
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Blurred vision :
Blurring occurs when the eye fails to properly focus light on the retina. It can occur in one or both eyes, and can be associated with a number of conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and glaucoma.
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Difficulty seeing at night:
If you notice that your vision deteriorates when you try to see in low light or at night, this may be a sign of vision loss due to cataracts or retinal damage caused by diabetes or other diseases.
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Loss of contrast sensitivity:
The ability to distinguish color shades was once called contrast sensitivity and is an important indicator of healthy vision. When contrast sensitivity decreases or completely disappears, it may signal age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Difficulty reading small print:
If you have trouble reading fine print or seeing words on TV screens or movie posters clearly, this can also be a sign of AMD-related vision loss.
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Dark spots in your vision:
When you notice dark spots in your field of vision (like floaters), you should be concerned and seek immediate medical attention, as these spots may signify a retinal tear that requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.
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Double vision:
When the two eyes don’t agree on what they see, it can result in double vision, also called diplopia; this condition usually indicates a problem with the muscles that control eye movement rather than a problem directly affecting the eye itself. Common causes are high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, but if left untreated it can also lead to permanent blindness, even without pain or discomfort felt by the patient themselves!
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Tunnel vision:
When peripheral vision begins to narrow due to nerve damage, it is called tunnel vision. Although it is not always a sign of serious problems, it should be monitored closely. Since any changes should be immediately reported and further examined by an ophthalmologist so that they can determine the cause of the problem and the best way to treat it before further complications arise!
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Halos around the lights:
Another very common symptom associated with progressions like glaucoma is noticing halos around lights while driving at night. These glowing circles appear when looking at streetlights, outdoor lights, etc. because the lenses become cloudy from the high pressures inside the eyeballs. If caught early enough, these issues can often be managed with prescribed eye drops, but more advanced cases may require injection medication!
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Bright flashes or floats:
Bright flashes (photopsia) or spots that move across your field of vision (floaters) are usually symptoms that indicate retinal detachment, tears/holes, or bleeding behind the eye that all need to be taken care of. quickly so that interventions such as laser treatments/surgeries can prevent total blindness from occurring!
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Chronic redness and itching:
Finally, chronic redness and itching around either eye, especially when accompanied by discharge or crusting on the eyelids, should always receive immediate attention from an ophthalmologist, as these symptoms are often associated with more serious underlying conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or allergies, which require a proper treatment plan put in place as soon as possible!
