What Causes Blindness?

Blindness can happen due to both severe and non-severe conditions. If someone has a severe condition, such as Usher Syndrome, the cause is not known. In these cases, the disorder is caused by a gene mutation that affects the patient’s DNA. This mutation causes a change in the visual development, and in rare cases, also leads to a build-up of certain chemicals, which causes cataracts and other visual defects.

There are also many conditions that cause damage to the eye, such as trauma, infection or disease. Even many diseases do not cause blindness. For instance, blood-related conditions such as leukemia, beta thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia can all cause vision loss, even in unaffected family members.Being struck by lightning could also cause blindness. These types of injuries are not limited to only being struck directly by lightning, or even being out in the open during a storm, because electromagnetic waves can damage the retinas of the eye.

On the other hand, if someone has a hereditary condition, such as Usher Syndrome, they could be born blind. If not, the causes of blindness can be more severe, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts.

In severe cases, blindness may occur on the side of the body that does not receive visual input, or in patients with eyes that do not respond to light. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, with approximately 13.5 million people living with the disease, and two-thirds of these people do not have adequate vision correction.

In the United States alone, approximately 4.1 million people are affected by glaucoma, which can cause the optic nerve to shrink or deteriorate, and ultimately lead to blindness. Glaucoma is not a condition that usually affects the eye, but rather can affect any part of the eye, including the retina and/or cornea. For this reason, an optometrist is needed to make accurate diagnosis. People who are young or have a family history of glaucoma should be tested regularly, as glaucoma is much more likely to develop later in life.

Vision is a precious gift, and the thought of losing it is a daunting one. However, blindness is a reality for many, and understanding its causes is the first step in preventing it. In this article, we'll explore the leading causes of blindness and provide you with eight powerful steps to protect your sight. Let's embark on a journey to safeguard your vision and promote eye health.

Common Causes of Blindness

Blindness can result from various factors, some of which are preventable or treatable. Here are the most common causes:

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and is often associated with increased intraocular pressure. It can lead to gradual vision loss.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

People with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which damages blood vessels in the retina, resulting in vision impairment.

4. Cataracts

Cataracts cause clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred vision. It's a common age-related condition.

5. Infections and Injuries

Eye infections and injuries, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss. Prevention and timely treatment are crucial.

Now that we understand the common causes of blindness, let's delve into the eight powerful steps to protect your sight.

8 Powerful Steps to Protect Your Sight

1. Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are essential to detect early signs of eye diseases and conditions. Visit your eye care professional regularly, especially if you have a family history of eye problems or underlying health issues like diabetes.

2. Healthy Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for eye health. Foods like leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits provide essential nutrients for your eyes.

3. Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection. Prolonged sun exposure can contribute to cataracts and AMD.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD and cataracts. Quitting smoking not only benefits your overall health but also preserves your vision.

5. Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, it's vital to manage them effectively. Uncontrolled chronic conditions can lead to diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems.

6. Stay Active

Regular physical activity promotes good blood circulation, which is beneficial for eye health. It can help reduce the risk of glaucoma.

7. Protect Your Eyes

When working or engaging in activities that could lead to eye injuries, wear protective eyewear. This simple precaution can prevent serious eye damage.

8. Limit Screen Time

Extended periods of screen time can strain your eyes, leading to discomfort and potentially more severe conditions. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Blindness is a condition that can be caused by various factors, some of which are preventable. By understanding the common causes and following these eight powerful steps to protect your sight, you can take proactive measures to maintain your vision and enjoy a high quality of life. Remember, your eyes are a priceless gift—let's cherish and protect them.

Incorporating these steps into your lifestyle can make a significant difference in your eye health and overall well-being. Stay proactive and stay informed to keep your vision clear and your future bright.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts occur when a cloud of calcium and crystalline substances form inside the eye, blocking light from entering the eye. The key to treating cataracts is removing the excess, which occurs slowly over time, and is usually caused by various conditions.

The following are examples of conditions that may cause cataracts:

Dr. Ron Mas, clinical ophthalmologist and assistant professor at the Baylor College of Medicine, says that “people who have had multiple concussions, or who suffer from another form of traumatic brain injury, have a higher risk of developing cataracts.”

In addition to the risk of traumatic brain injury, a person may also be prone to cataracts because of their family history. For instance, in those who are over the age of 40, the chances of developing cataracts can increase by 20-30% if they have a family history of cataracts.

A complete diagnosis of any of these conditions can be difficult. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that only about 8 percent of people are able to get a diagnosis from a health professional before the vision deteriorates.

The best way to diagnose cataracts is through an ophthalmologist, who will typically use a focused medical-grade camera to see the interior of the eye, as well as a computerized tomography (CT) scan that may help to identify the cause of the cataracts.

Cataracts are typically treated using various medications, but the most successful treatment is often laser surgery. This procedure consists of removing the lens, after which a piece of it is transplanted to replace the missing lens. This is an extremely effective treatment for cataracts. The procedure takes less than an hour and typically requires a stay of less than two days in the hospital.

The surgical procedure to remove cataracts is performed under local anesthesia, and a retinal surgeon then looks for the appropriate area of the retina to remove the lens. The surgeon makes a small incision around the area where the lens should be transplanted, then inserts a curved needle into the eyeball and inserts the lens during the operation. After removing the lens, the retinal surgeon then looks at the retina to determine that the surgery was a success.

What Is LASIK

Lasik surgery is the most common type of vision correction surgery. It involves creating a hole in the cornea, where a laser is then used to remove the area of the cornea that causes the eyes to water excessively. A short period of recovery time follows, which is typically around three days.

According to the AOA, the most common reason for the decision to have Lasik surgery is due to problems with driving at night, which may be caused by eye strain or inability to see well at night. Another reason is because vision problems may interfere with a person’s ability to read. People who have visual problems may also want to have Lasik surgery to improve their health or their ability to perform their jobs.

Sight Problems After Migraines

Many migraine sufferers go through bouts of severe headaches, followed by the sight going blurry. Many sufferers of migraines have a particularly unique symptom called a migraine aura. A migraine aura causes a sudden, visual attack lasting between one to four hours. During a migraine aura, the person may suddenly lose their vision and experience sensitivity to light.

Migraine doctors have been debating for years on whether to consider this as a migraine headache or a visual disorder.

Any of the following three visual changes can occur during a migraine:

• – Unilateral visual loss
• – Visual floating or flattening
• – Eyelid widening or dilation

Common Signs of a Migraine

During a migraine attack, a person may experience:

• – Focal darkening
• – Nausea and vomiting
• – Nausea and/or diarrhea
• – Restlessness, sweating, and increased sensitivity to light or sound
• – Sudden throbbing headache
• – Isolation or severe head pressure, which can cause bleeding in the brain
• – Pressure or feeling of fullness in the ears
• – Visual loss (flattening, floating, or depression)
• – Vertigo
• – Ringing in the ears
• – Neck pain
• – Sensitivity to light or sound
• – Loss of smell
• – Difficulty in speaking

Other Possible Causes

Any disease of the eye can cause blindness. Infections such as hepatitis A and B can also cause vision loss. Other causes include severe brain hemorrhage, brain tumours, severe head injuries, and infections of the brain or spinal cord, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Many times, visual problems are part of a series of signs and symptoms that occurs in an unknown manner. Each case of vision loss could be caused by a series of separate events, often occurring at the same time.A person who is blind after a stroke may lose their sight from a pooling of blood in their retinas. In this case, they would have to have had some prior trauma to their retina. One person who was blind for ten years, after a stroke and heart attack, has been receiving treatments for degenerative retinal disease.

Also, when a person has a genetic eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa, or a hereditary form of sickle cell anemia, they might be born with vision loss before the onset of the disease.

Prevention

When having a migraine, there are several things that people can do to avoid losing their vision. Avoid caffeine, especially if a migraine is coming on. Other causes include aspirin, high blood pressure, alcohol, and certain medicines. Avoid strenuous exercise or doing anything that makes your eyes work hard, such as playing computer games. Also, if you experience symptoms such as flashing lights or tunnel vision, try taking a nap or using sunglasses to block the light.