Vision loss
Overview
Vision loss affects how well you see. The causes of vision loss can often be treated, but sometimes it may be permanent. Get your sight checked if you have symptoms.
Symptoms
The main symptom of vision loss is not being able to see properly. It can gradually get worse over time or happen suddenly. It can affect 1 or both eyes. Symptoms of vision loss can include: changes to your visiondifficulty reading, watching TV, or seeing peoples' faces clearlyyour eyes being uncomfortable in or sensitive to bright lightdifficulty seeing at night and in low light You can have vision loss at any age, but it's more common as you get older. Vision loss in children is rare, but any problems will usually be found during routineeye tests for children. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you're worried about your child's vision.
Causes
There are lots of possible causes of vision loss. Some are common and can be treated, but some conditions may cause permanent vision loss. Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it. Blurred or cloudy vision, seeing a glowing ring (halo) around lights, colours looking less bright Cataracts in adults Dots, lines, flashes, darkness, or shadows appearing in your vision, often starts suddenly Detached retina (retinal detachment) Distorted area in the middle of your vision, difficulty reading, difficulty seeing peoples’ faces Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Gradual worsening of your sight and you have diabetes Diabetic retinopathy Blurred vision, severe eye pain, red eye Glaucoma
Treatment
Treatment for vision loss depends on what’s causing it. If the optician or GP thinks your vision loss is caused by a condition, you’ll usually be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further tests. The ophthalmologist will discuss any available treatments with you that may improve your vision or may help stop it getting worse. Treatments may include medicines or surgery. Some conditions can cause permanent vision loss that cannot be treated. If you have long-term vision loss, the ophthalmologist or GP should refer you to local services that can support you with adapting to living with impaired vision.