Causes and types of sight loss

 Sight loss, also called vision impairment or low vision, means a condition in which people don’t see well even with corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses) or after appropriate corrective medical or surgical procedures. In other words, sight loss is a non-correctable condition, which can range from mild to severe, to complete blindness.

 Vision impairment can develop at any age, but is most common among people over 65 years of age. However, unlike long sightness or presbyopia, which is a common, normal age-related process, sight loss is not a process directly associated with getting older, but is the result of certain eye diseases which are more common among elderly people, such as macular degeneration (the progressive destruction of the macula, the central part of the retina), glaucoma (an increase in the pressure inside the eye, leading to optic nerve damage), cataract (a clouding of the eye’s lens) and diabetic retinopathy (a common complication of diabetes, leading to damage or blockage of retinal blood vessels).

 There are different types of sight loss, depending on the extent and location of eye damage.

The most common sight loss types:

1- Loss of central vision, characterized by the occurrence of a permanent blind-spot in the central visual field

2- Loss of peripheral vision, characterized by reduced vision to one or both sides

3- Blurred vision, characterized by the eye’s inability to focus on both near and far objects, even with the best corrective lenses

3- Extreme light sensitivity, in which normal levels of illumination can cause pain or discomfort

4- Night blindness, a difficulty with vision at night or in dark environment.

 The above types of sight loss can occur alone or in association with each other, depending on the extent and location of eye damage. For example glaucoma is characterized by loss of peripheral vision and blurred vision and, in the most advanced stages, also by loss of central vision.

 Regardless of the cause and the severity, sight loss cannot be corrected with conventional lenses, but sometimes can be reversed or slowed down with proper treatment. For example cataract surgery is usually effective in restoring vision, while laser surgery is an effective way to slow down the progression of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, although it cannot restore lost vision.

 Anyway, many low vision devices are available to help patients live a better quality of life, including different types of magnifiers, mini telescopes, large-type books and magazines, Braille books and text-reading software. In addition, low vision rehabilitation provided by specialized optometrists is an effective treatment option to help patients maximize their remaining vision, learn techniques and skills that will enable them to perform their daily activities and live an independent life.

 Due to the high costs associated with sight loss treatment and exams, it is recommended to have yourself covered by an appropriate international health insurance plan should you experience a loss sight in the future.