Vision abnormalities

Alternative names:

blindness, temporary; decreased vision; diminished eyesight; eyesight diminished; impaired vision

Definition:

Blurred vision is the loss of visual acuity or sharpness resulting in unclear visual details. Vision loss is the inability to perceive visual stimuli. See also blindness. Blind spots are apparent dark "holes" in the visual field in which nothing can be seen. An enlarging blind spot is growth in the size of a blind spot that is readily apparent to the individual.

Considerations:

Loss of visual acuity, changes in vision, blurriness or decreased light perception should always be evaluated as soon as possible by a medical profesional. Changes may represent primary eye disease, aging, eye trauma, or a generalized (systemic) illness. Whatever the cause, visual changes should never be ignored. Decreased vision is a significant threat to the quality of life. Professional help is always indicated, but which professional to see is often a question.

Here are some tips:

• An optician dispenses glasses and does not diagnose eye problems.
• An optometrist is a doctor of optometry that specializes in evaluating the need for glasses and deciding on what prescription lens will provide the best vision. An optometrist can diagnose and treat many vision problems, although in some states, they can also diagnose and treat other medical problems.
• An ophthalmologist is a physician that specializes in eye disorders and is the appropriate person to consult for diseases of the eye.
• Sometimes an eye problem is part of a general health problem; in these situations, a primary care provider may be appropriate.

Common causes:

• aging, (the most common cause of decreased vision)
• cataracts (also common in the elderly)
• glaucoma
• complications of diabetes (the most common cause of blindness in the United States)
  • intermittent or fixed double vision (usually temporary)
  • retinal hemorrhages, which can cause more permanent blindness
  • diabetic retinopathy

• eye infection, inflammation, or injury
  • infections of the cornea that cause scarring, distortion or perforation
  • infections of the retina with viruses, fungi or parasites--seen with increasing frequency in AIDS.

• floaters (tiny particles) drifting across the eye
  • usually are harmless and require no treatment

• fatigue and prolonged exposure to the outdoors (temporary and reversible blurring of vision)
• drugs (blurring, spots, and halos)
  • anticholinergics
  • antihistamines
  • clomiphene
  • chloroquine
  • cycloplegic
  • digitalis derivatives (temporary)
  • ethambutol
  • guanethidine
  • indomethacin
  • methanol toxicity (permanent)
  • phenothiazines
  • phenylbutazone
  • quinine sulfate
  • reserpine
  • thiazide diuretics

• migraine headaches (spots of light, halos, or zigzag patterns are common preliminary symptoms)
• congenital disorders
• heritable disorders

Note: There may be other causes of vision abnormalities. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for vision abnormalities, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.