Vision loss is more common than most realize. Adults and children suffer from vision loss at a high rate. If you know what contributes to vision loss, you may be able to avoid losing your sight, at least partially. The following are some of the more common reasons for vision loss:

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration occurs when a small but important part of the retina starts to break down. You may not notice an issue at first, but macular degeneration will eventually cause dark areas in the center of your vision field, blurred vision, and the inability to see colors. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are some treatments that can help. Macular degeneration occurs commonly in those who smoke, are obese, have heart disease and high blood pressure, and who have a family history of the disease.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy. You will notice blurry vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, and having difficulty seeing after dark. Some risk factors include age, previous eye damage or surgical procedures, alcohol abuse, diabetes, or smoking.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a type of disease caused by pressure buildup in the eye. When you have too much pressure in your eye, it can harm your optic nerve. A damaged optic nerve often results in vision loss.

Those with glaucoma cannot always tell right away. The only way to prevent glaucoma is by regular checkups with your eye doctor. Once glaucoma advances, you will notice more obvious signs, such as pain and redness of the eye, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing light halos when you look at the light. Several risks contribute to the onset of glaucoma. This includes your family history, thin corneal tissue, age, prior eye surgeries, and the use of corticosteroids.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Those who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. This impacts the retina, which is tissue in the back of the eye that is sensitive to light. You may not see immediate symptoms. Over time, you will notice the inability to see colors, blurred vision, floaters, and dark spots in your line of vision. The primary risk factor of diabetic retinopathy the length of time you have had diabetes, obesity, smoking, family history, and uncontrolled blood sugar.

No matter the time you think something is off with your vision, you need to see a doctor right away to see if there is any treatment to help you maintain your vision.

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